Church demands outcome of investigation into suspended vicar

St Peter's Church in Bromyard has sent a letter to the Bishop of Hereford calling for an outcome of the probe into its vicar Rev Clive Evans.

The vicar was suspended from all duties in April 2019. The Diocese of Hereford said at the time it was so "an enquiry can be carried out in relation to a complaint" that had been received".

The spokesperson also said Rev Evans was "unable to have contact with anyone in the parish, or carry out any church engagements".

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But almost two years on, the church council in Bromyard said it was deeply concerned the matter had not yet been resolved, and the vicar and his wife had been subject to speculation.

In the letter to the Bishop of Hereford on behalf of the council, Mark Franklin said the ongoing suspension with "no end in sight" had surely been a "cause of great stress to all parties involved".

Rev Clive Evans is still suspended

"This must particularly be the case for Clive and Deb being not only barred from ministry but placed in the spotlight and subject to speculation and rumour," Mr Franklin said.

"This affair has been damaging to St Peter’s in terms of both membership and reputation."

The letter to Bishop Richard Jackson added: "It cannot be denied however that Clive’s suspension has reduced resources and caused some loss of momentum.

"This must be regained and reputation and confidence restored. There is some rebuilding to do, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but progress is difficult whilst we remain in this state of limbo.

"It would surely best serve the interests of the Church and of those we wish to serve for this matter now to be speedily resolved.

"That said, our principal concern remains for the welfare of the parties involved."

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While Mr Franklin acknowledged the Bishop could not be involved in the process, he asked that he "bring as much influence as you can to bear upon the appropriate authorities to expedite this matter to a conclusion".

"We take no side and make no recommendation as to what that conclusion should be, although of course we pray that it will be manifestly fair and that God will be glorified in it," Mr Franklin said.

"We do ask however that a decision be reached soon."

Bishop of Hereford Richard Jackson

In a written reply to Mr Franklin, the Bishop said: "I completely share your frustration with the time this process is taking to reach its conclusion.

"As you rightly say, it is out of my hands now, and I do not have any ability to influence the speed.

"I find that immensely frustrating personally.

"That part of the process which we could control internally we have discharged as rapidly as was possible, given the constraints of Covid. I fear the ongoing process is also affected.

"I cannot tell you how long it will be before it is concluded. I simply do not know."

He added: "I also regret I can share very little, other than to say the process is continuing.

"This is not from a desire to conceal information unnecessarily, but to protect the confidentiality of all parties involved.

"I thank you all for your patience in this matter and ask that you join me in prayer both for the health of the congregation, the parties involved and just resolution and closure."