A high standard of integrity and service is expected of our clergy. Mostly that standard is met, but occasionally individual clergy can fall short of what is expected. When this occurs there are different ways to respond. At whatever level you are concerned, please be assured that your allegation of misconduct will be taken seriously.
Minor instances of inappropriate behaviour
If you are concerned about a minor incident or instances of behaviour which you consider inappropriate, you are encouraged to share your disappointment with the cleric concerned and resolve it together.
Area Dean / Archdeacon
If the attempts at communicating with the cleric have not proved fruitful, you should speak to your Area Dean or Archdeacon. The diocesan office will be able to tell you who this is. A representative of the bishop will then speak to the cleric concerned, so that the matter can be dealt with informally.
More serious misconduct
Only if the problem is more serious and may amount to misconduct which justifies disciplinary action will the provisions of the Clergy Discipline Measure (‘CDM’) be required. The CDM provides a procedure for handling such allegations of serious misconduct.
CDM - a legal process
It is important to realise that lodging a CDM allegation of misconduct is the start of a legal process. An investigation will take place into the alleged misconduct. If the matter is referred to a tribunal it is likely that you will have to give evidence in person at a hearing.
You can find out more about the CDM process on the Church of England's website here.
Penalties imposed on clergy under the Clergy Discipline Measure
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 Diocesan Bishop in cases where there has been no Tribunal is kept by the Diocesan Registrar. This can be accessed upon application to the Diocesan Registry: registryleeds@luptonfawcett.law.
Records of CDM penalties imposed can be accessed on the Church of England website.