Church investigations

SIR – I can reassure Arthur Varndell (Letters, March 27) and your other correspondents (Letters, March 29) that there is no new programme being tested in the diocese of Chichester which requires a presumption of guilt for safeguarding complaints.

However, the diocese does, along with all responsible institutions, insist that all allegations are taken seriously; none can be dismissed without investigation and assessment of risk where necessary. This means that all allegations and suspicions must be reported. This arrangement is permanent and not on a trial basis.

Nor does the Church routinely investigate allegations itself; they are reported to the police or local authorities as appropriate. However, if no one else will investigate fully – for example, if a civil claim is brought in respect of a deceased person – the Church has no option but to investigate, as it must answer the claim. Gabrielle Higgins

Diocesan Secretary, The Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance Hove, East Sussex