Diocesan Synod statement concerning the Dean of Oxford

Saturday 17 November 2018 : The Bishop of Oxford gave a statement to the meeting of the Oxford Diocesan Synod.

The full text of the statement can be read below.

Following media enquiries over the weekend t he College confirmed that Martyn Percy has been suspended from his duties pending the tribunal's outcome.

Bishop Steven said; "As always in such circumstances, suspension is a neutral act and does not imply that the complaint will be upheld." The Very Revd.

Professor Martyn PercyYou may be aware that a formal complaint has been made against the Dean of Christ Church, Martyn Percy. Christ Church is a complex institution and, uniquely in the Church of England, the Dean is also Head of an Oxford College.

The Governing Body and Chapter have now requested that the complaint against Martyn, which relates to a governance matter, be properly reviewed by an independently chaired internal tribunal. Martyn is a close colleague, widely respected across the Church and his absence is keenly felt.

The tribunal must now conduct an impartial, thorough and fair review of the complaint that has been made. I remain in close contact with Martyn and Emma and with the Subdean and Chapter and the wider college through this difficult period.

I am monitoring the situation closely.

I also want to see that any allegations of bullying are properly investigated.

Meanwhile the Cathedral's core work of prayer and the worship of God continues, albeit in very testing circumstances. We wish Martyn a speedy recovery to full health following a period of sickness in recent weeks and commend all those involved in this difficult situation to the prayers of the diocese. +Steven Oxford