Oxford Church Investigates Safeguarding After Abuse Allegations Surface

Oxford Church Initiates Safeguarding Review Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations

A prominent evangelical church in Oxford is conducting a comprehensive review of its safeguarding practices, both past and present, after allegations surfaced against a former rector, David Fletcher. These allegations claim Fletcher was involved in sexual abuse incidents during the 1970s and 1980s.

Fletcher, who served as the rector of St Ebbe’s Church from 1986 to 1998, was previously engaged in organizing Christian camps with John Smyth from 1967 to 1986. A report by Makin last November revealed that Smyth abused young boys at these camps and suggested Fletcher played a role in concealing these activities.

Further allegations against Fletcher were brought to light in a Channel 4 News report, where three women accused him of sexual abuse. In response, St Ebbe’s Church has appointed Christian Safeguarding Services (CSS) to review its safeguarding culture and practices, as well as examine the accusations against Fletcher.

Following the Channel 4 report, additional women have come forward with complaints regarding Fletcher’s conduct.

In 2017, a woman reported a safeguarding concern about Fletcher to the church. Details on the actions taken following this disclosure remain unclear, although it is known that Fletcher’s “Permission to Officiate” was revoked by the Bishop of Oxford in July 2018.

Bishop Rob Munro, responsible for overseeing St Ebbe’s, remarked, “The Makin review evidences how an abuser can exploit organisations that allow leadership to have unaccountable power and influence; that institutionalise an implied personal elitism or theological superiority, and that are more concerned for organisational reputation than for individuals.”

He emphasized the need to address such cultural issues, even at the episcopal level, to prevent future abuses.

The church has called upon anyone with pertinent information or concerns to come forward, assuring that their reports will be managed “with the utmost care, sensitivity and confidentiality”.