Bishop Accused of Bullying Commences Phased Return to Work

Scotland’s inaugural female bishop, who has faced accusations of bullying, has initiated a gradual return to her professional responsibilities. The Right Reverend Anne Dyer, the Scottish Episcopal Church’s Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, was suspended in 2022 and had been slated to appear before a disciplinary tribunal following three complaints filed against her. However, an independent procurator for the church determined last month, subsequent to a review, that pursuing the matters further was not in the public interest. Her diocese stated that she has now begun resuming her clerical duties and will initially be supported by another bishop. Bishop Dyer’s return to work was anticipated last month, but it subsequently emerged that she was on sick leave after a new complaint was lodged. The nature of this recent complaint has not been disclosed, and her supporters have suggested it constitutes part of a “campaign” being waged against her. More than 20 members of the Scottish Episcopal Church endorsed her return in a letter published in the Church Times. A statement from the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney read: “A phased return has been arranged, involving professional HR advice, which has allowed Bishop Anne Dyer to return to a number of her duties following the recent conclusion of a canonical complaint process.” During the Bishop’s phased return, the Right Reverend Ian Paton, who serves as Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, will assist with her duties. A separate investigation into the diocesan accounts is currently being conducted by the Scottish charity regulator.