Complaint against bishop is dropped
ABITTER dispute between a bishop and a dean has been resolved after the dean withdrew bullying allegations he had made against the bishop.
Gerwyn Capon, Dean of Llandaff, claimed he had been bullied by June Osborne, Bishop of Llandaff, because she wanted him out of his job.
In a 31-page complaint submitted in 2020, the dean alleged that after Bishop Osborne took up her post in 2017 she quickly made it clear that she had no confidence in him.
But a formal disciplinary hearing that was due to proceed against the bishop has been cancelled after Dean Capon decided he did not wish to continue with his complaint.
A judgement issued by Mark Powell QC, who presided over the case, said: “On Holy Saturday, April 16, 2022, the dean emailed the Archbishop of Wales and the registrar indicating that, following reflection, the dean wished to withdraw his complaint against the bishop.”
Gavin Foster, a barrister employed as a legal adviser to the Church of England Diocese of Salisbury, had been due to present the case against the bishop.
But Mr Powell’s judgement said: “[The] case relies entirely on the evidence of the dean. He has produced nothing in the way of supporting documents. People he suggested might support his case have, instead, supported the [bishop’s] case.
“Secondly, where documentary evidence exists – largely in the form of emails and text messages produced by the [bishop] as part of her response – it tends to support the [bishop’s] version of events rather than the dean’s.
“While these messages have not been produced or documented as carefully as they might have been, there is no reason to doubt their authenticity. The messages generally suggest a much warmer and more collaborative relationship for much of the period in question than is consistent with the dean’s account.
“Thirdly, where third party witnesses have offered evidence, they have generally supported the [bishop’s] version of events rather
than the dean’s.
“[The] dean appears to have reached a clear and settled decision to withdraw his complaint. As the person principally affected by the alleged behaviour of the [bishop], the tribunal will be reluctant to find a case proved without his support.”
Concluding the proceedings, Mr Powell praised the dean’s actions, saying: “In my experience, cases such as these can quickly escalate out of control. It takes significant courage and grace to take a step back and reconsider one’s position once formal processes such as these have begun. I hope that this can be the trigger for healing and reconciliation between all involved.”
The bishop welcomed the decision. She said: “I am pleased to learn that this matter is now resolved and the proceedings dismissed. It has been a challenging time for Llandaff Cathedral and the diocese. I am grateful for the support I have received from my colleagues and ask that we continue to keep the dean in our prayers.”
The Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, said: “I welcome the clarity of the president of the disciplinary tribunal’s order and that this matter has now reached a conclusion. My hope is that there is now a fresh opportunity to rebuild trust and to seek healing.”
The dean, who has been away from work for nearly two years on health grounds, did not respond to our request for a comment.