This is a text-only version of an article first published on Tuesday, 5 April 2016. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
THE Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, said: "The Revd Peter Jarvis has been sentenced today to 15 months' imprisonment as a result of his conviction of child sexual offences.
"Any case like this is a matter of sorrow and regret for the Church of England.
We recognise that the suffering of survivors of sexual abuse is profound and long lasting.
The Church of England will not tolerate abusive behaviour in its clergy or anyone else for whom we have pastoral responsibility.
We take allegations of abuse extremely seriously and always work closely with the statutory authorities to ensure abusers are brought to justice and that pastoral care is offered to those directly affected.
"As soon as the allegations were made, Mr Jarvis stood down from his duties, as is our policy.
In light of today's sentence, proceedings against Mr Jarvis under the Church of England's clergy disciplinary process will be initiated immediately to ensure that Mr Jarvis is removed from ministry.
All those involved in this sad case remain in my thoughts and prayers. "