Cast out: Now lover of suicide minister is banned by Free Church
A CHURCH probe into claims a married minister had a string of affairs before committing suicide has resulted in one woman being found ‘guilty’ and four cleared
The investigation into sex scandal allegations against Lewis minister Rev Iain D Campbell will be concluded later this week.
It is understood the all-male panel has so far taken action against one unnamed female churchgoer – and banned her from taking communion for a year. Action against others may follow.
Mr Campbell, 53, of Point Free Church, died on January 28. He hanged himself in hospital several days after admitting his infidelity to his wife Anne and children.
Emails were later handed to the church as part of its investigation.
Yesterday, a source close to the church said: ‘The allegations against all but one of the women have not been proved. Those cleared denied any wrongdoing.
‘One of the women did admit a relationship and has been suspended, I understand, for a year.
‘It is a very sad state of affairs. Iain was a gifted minister. But what was going on in his mind, nobody will really ever know.
‘I believe he may have shut down his email communication a few days before he went to hospital.’
It is understood Mr Campbell was admitted to hospital with heart palpitations several days after confessing his infidelity to his family.
They then sought clues in his email account, handing over the evidence to the church. A formal probe was announced in early March.
Mr Campbell, a married father of three, was a Presbyterian scholar and a former moderator of the Free Church Assembly. Following his death, tributes poured in, while shopkeepers on the island paid their respects by closing for his funeral.
But as rumours grew, a spokesman for the Free Church on Lewis confirmed allegations had been made, saying the church was ‘taking these very seriously and acting on them’. That process was carried out by the Kirk Session, comprising ministers and elders.
Rules for proceedings are laid out in the Book of Church Order of the Free Church, known as the Blue Book. As in the criminal system, witnesses are cited, statements are taken and cross examination is allowed before ‘judges’ deliver a verdict. There is also a right of appeal.
While voluntary, the procedure is formal. ‘Fornication’ and ‘adultery’ are taken especially seriously.
The Blue Book is unequivocal on the punishment required. It says: ‘The Kirk Session must bear in mind from the commencement of a process dealing with allegations of fornication or adultery that the outcome where guilt is deemed to have been established must be suspension of the guilty from sealing ordinances [rites].
‘Suspension from privileges, that is, denial of access to the Lord’s Supper and to the privilege of baptism of an offender’s child, sometimes referred to as the Lesser Excommunication, may be imposed for a stated time or indefinitely according to the disposition at the time of the person adjudged to be at fault.’
A church spokesman confirmed that the woman’s year-long suspension meant she would be excluded from taking communion.
Each individual Free Church session or congregation decides how frequently to hold communion – in some cases, it is as little as twice a year. The church’s main website warns: ‘We may lose this privilege for a time if our life brings open shame on the Gospel.’
The scandal has stunned members of the church, which condemns both adultery and suicide.
It is understood that the final outcome of the investigation will provide more detail of the claims against Mr Campbell.
Rev James MacIver, the minister of Stornoway Free Church, said: ‘This has been a particularly sad time for everyone involved with the church and we would thank all of our members for their patience and understanding throughout this difficult and sensitive process.
‘The investigation into the allegations surrounding Iain D Campbell’s conduct is due to complete next week, following which a statement will be issued.’
‘Those cleared denied any wrongdoing’ ‘This has been a particularly sad time’