LETTER : Bishop's duty
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Vincent Williams
Sir: The Very Rev Brandon Jackson ("The cross I chose to bear", 21July) claims that
The crisis arose because my bishop chose to believe the story of a girl he described to me as "pretty hopeless".
That is a surprising assertion. The issue of the Bishop's belief (or lack of it) is neither here nor there.
The Bishop was confronted with a serious allegation, namely, that a senior member of the Church had committed adultery in the context of his professional and pastoral duties. The Dean, as an "under-shepherd of the flock of God", stood in a position of trust and responsibility towards those in his spiritual care. He was accused of adultery by and with a member of that flock. Given the nature of the Dean's position, considerable powers and responsibilities, such an allegation had to be investigated and investigated properly.
Would it have been right if the Bishop has simply accepted Dean Jackson's word over the word of Ms.Freestone on the basis that the Dean was senior member of the Church and Ms Freestone an unhappy young woman? Should he have dismissed the allegations because one, or possibly two, bishops gave, or were willing to give, no doubt deserved, character references on behalf of the Dean?
Some kind of internal tribunal would undoubtedly have been better from everyone's point of view. However. that is hardly the Bishop's fault.
Yours sincerely.
Vincent Williams
London, EC4
21 July
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments