Bishop of Chelmsford Comments on Vicar’s Lifetime Ban Following Abuse Allegations

Following a vicar’s removal from ministry due to sexual abuse allegations, the Bishop of Chelmsford stated that lessons “must be learned.” David Tudor, formerly the team rector for the Parish of Canvey in Essex, received a lifetime ban from the Church of England at a tribunal hearing this week, having been under suspension for the preceding five years. The tribunal panel was informed that he engaged in sexual relationships with two girls, one of whom was under 16, during the period from 1982 to 1989. The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Deqhani expressed approval of the decision to “prohibit him from ministry for life.” Dr Francis-Deqhani stated, “I am deeply sorry for the profound hurt and harm David Tudor’s behaviour has caused.” She added, “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.” The tribunal concluded that Mr Tudor’s conduct, which took place while he served as a priest in the Diocese of Southwark, constituted “an abuse of trust” and was classified as “grooming.” During the two-day tribunal, Mr Tudor stated he did not recall the incidents involving the two girls, identified as X and Y. However, he acknowledged that sexual acts occurred between himself and Y and did not dispute X’s testimony regarding the events. Evidence presented at the tribunal indicated that the former vicar attempted to conceal his relationship with X, which began when she was 15 years old, by instructing her to destroy her diaries. He extended a full apology to both X and Y. Surrey Police confirmed that in 2019, it investigated a report concerning “non-recent indecent assault offences” against a man in his 60s from Canvey Island, alleged to have occurred in Reigate. Nevertheless, the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case in court. A spokesperson for the force added, “As with all closed cases, if any new or compelling evidence is reported to us, we will look at the possibility of reopening the investigation.” The tribunal also heard that Mr Tudor faced accusations of indecent assault against a 16-year-old girl, identified as Z, in January 1988, but was acquitted. In 1988, he received a six-month prison sentence for indecent assault involving three additional complainants; however, this conviction was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal. Following a five-year suspension, he resumed his ministry in the 1990s, becoming team vicar of Canvey Island in 1997 and team rector in 2000. Subsequently, in 2005, the Diocese of Chelmsford suspended Mr Tudor after a complaint regarding his conduct from a period before his ordination in the 1970s, unrelated to X or Y, was filed. The tribunal was informed that no criminal proceedings ensued, and he was allowed to resume his role at Canvey Island. The Rt Reverend Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, characterized Mr Tudor’s behaviour as “a serious and damaging breach of his pastoral and professional obligations as a priest.” Reverend Chessun further stated that Mr Tudor’s victims were receiving full support, expressing that he was “deeply grateful” for their bravery in recounting their experiences and participating “with this long and difficult process.” For updates on Essex news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.