Suspended vicar ‘aware of ex’s sexual offences’
Church disciplinary probe amid allegations uncovered by BBC
CHURCH leaders have refused to comment on a report claiming a suspended Solihull vicar was aware of her ex-husband’s sexual offending but did not declare it.
Rev Helen Greenham is currently suspended from her position at St Helen’s Church while an internal disciplinary probe is carried out.
The BBC claimed it had seen documents showing she had acknowledged failing to share information regarding Peter Jenkins’ crimes, which pre-dated her appointment at the Diocese of Birmingham in 2011.
Jenkins, 53, also known as Peter Greenham, admitted 15 historical sex offence charges, including rape, indecent assault, sexual assault, unlawful sexual intercourse and inciting a girl to commit an act of gross indecency.
One of his vulnerable young victims was just 12. His offences took place between 1984 and 2005 and he was jailed for 13 years at Warwick Crown Court in August.
Parishioners have since raised concerns about what access he had to young people, although there was no evidence of any criminal behaviour connected to St Helen’s.
Church of England Birmingham confirmed to the Post that Rev Greenham remained suspended from St Helen’s Church.
But the Diocese of Birmingham said it could not comment further due to an ongoing disciplinary process.
A Clergy Disciplinary Measure tribunal is expected to conclude later this year. Rev Greenham told the Post: “The information that has been shared is confidential and forms part of the ongoing Church of England disciplinary process. In view of this I am not able to make any comment about it.”
West Midlands Police said Jenkins’ horrific crimes came to light in January 2020 when a solicitor contacted the force to say a man wanted to disclose the offences he had committed.
Jenkins was quizzed by detectives and an investigation began to trace the women he claimed to have abused as young girls.
A police investigation found four victims he admitted abusing. It emerged at court that he befriended one while he was at university and another when he was a school teacher.
Church of England Birmingham confirmed the disciplinary probe
was ongoing into Rev Greenham’s conduct surrounding the case.
A spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that, until the Tribunal investigation concludes and the judgement is published, we are unable to comment further on any details of the case. Any such comments may directly or indirectly jeopardise the outcome of the Tribunal.
“The Bishop and CofE Birmingham continue to seek to support the Survivors of Peter Greenham, in the pursuit of answers and justice and to encourage their bravery and confidence in coming forward.
“Therefore, neither the Bishop nor the CofE Birmingham are able to comment further.”
Over the summer, it said in a statement: “The Church of England Birmingham takes seriously its commitment to robust safeguarding practices in all of the Church’s settings and works closely with West Midlands Police and Social Services. We are aware Peter Jenkins also known as Peter Greenham, was sentenced on August 12, 2022.
“The Church of England Birmingham profoundly acknowledges the bravery and determination of Survivors who have come forward. Victims and Survivors are encouraged to contact the Church of England Birmingham Diocesan Safeguarding Team by calling 07342 993 844 or you may wish to complete the online referral form available on our website.
“The Rev Helen Greenham remains suspended as a Church of England representative. There is currently no investigation by the police involving her. She is subject to a CofE investigation according to House of Bishops guidance. We cannot comment further while this process continues.”