30 October 2024
The Rev David Tudor, Rector of Canvey Island in the Diocese of Chelmsford, has been prohibited from ministry for life and removed from his post as Rector by the Bishop of Southwark’s Disciplinary Tribunal following a hearing on Monday 28 October and Tuesday 29 October.
The Tribunal examined two complaints under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 against David Tudor and the penalty imposed followed a recent, full admission of guilt to disclosures of serious sexual abuse that were brought as a disciplinary complaint by two complainants. The admission relates to the time when he was a priest in the Diocese of Southwark and includes serious sexual abuse involving a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old.
The Tribunal’s Judgement can be read in full on the Church of England Website.
Commenting on the Tribunal’s decision the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani said:
“I am deeply sorry for the profound hurt and harm David Tudor’s behaviour has caused and I welcome the Tribunal’s decision to remove him from office and prohibit him from ministry for life.
“It has taken enormous courage from those who came forward to report David Tudor’s abuse that led to a formal complaint being investigated under the Clergy Discipline Measure. I am extremely grateful to them for doing so and I know this lengthy process has caused considerable distress and anxiety. Anxiety and distress that could have been avoided, at least in some part, if David Tudor had made his admissions before now.
“I am also grateful to the teams of safeguarding professionals in Chelmsford Diocese, Southwark Diocese and at the Church of England who continue to work together to support those who have been affected and liaise with the relevant statutory authorities.
“There will be important lessons that must be learned about how this matter has been handled over many years and I welcome the fact that there will now be a national independent safeguarding practice review.”
David Tudor has been suspended from ministry in the Church of England since 2019. During this time the Diocese of Chelmsford has liaised closely with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to this case.
Reporting a concern, allegation or disclosure
If you have a concern, allegation or disclosure relating to this case or any other matter relating to safeguarding, please call the Diocese of Chelmsford Duty Number on 01245 29 44 44 or email safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org
Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal, and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the Church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
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