We expect a high standard of integrity and service from all our clergy. Mostly that standard is met, but occasionally individual clergy fall short of what is expected of them.
- When it is a minor incident or behaviour, complainants are encouraged to share their disappointment with the Clergy person concerned and resolve it together.
- When that is insufficient, a word with the Area or Rural Dean or the Archdeacon will lead to someone on the bishop’s staff speaking to the member of the clergy concerned, so that the matter is dealt with and rectified informally.
- Only when the problem is more serious and may amount to misconduct which warrants disciplinary action, will the provisions of the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) be required. The Measure provides a procedure for handling such complaints of misconduct.
If an informal approach to resolving the complaint is unsuccessful the area dean or lay chair will notify the archdeacon, who will reach a decision about how to take your complaint forward.
The Church of England website contains detailed information about the CDM process.
The Diocese of Bath and Wells adheres to the guidance for publicising notices of penalties and proceedings as laid out in the guidelines published by the Clergy Discipline Commission.
- The Church of England website lists written determinations of disciplinary tribunals, hearing complaints brought under the clergy discipline measure together with any decisions on penalty
- The Diocese of Bath and Wells website lists penalties imposed by the Bishop in cases where there has been no Tribunal, if the penalty is determined to require publication
- In accordance with guidance issued by the Clergy Discipline Commission, under section 3(3)(b) of the clergy discipline measure and paragraph 263 of the code of practice, a register of penalties imposed by the bishop in cases where there has been no tribunal is kept by the diocesan registry.
Who to contact
Christopher Jones, Diocesan Registrar
Tel: 01749 674747
Email Christopher
