A Reverend of a church in Woodborough has been allowed to keep his job despite sending ‘inappropriate texts’ to a vulnerable woman.
The BBC has reported that the Rev Anthony Giles was recently investigated by the Church of England after a complaint was received about him from a woman.
A disciplinary tribunal decision said his misconduct had caused the woman “particular emotional and spiritual harm”.
Mr Giles will now be prohibited from doing his work for six months as punishment
The tribunal decided against removing him from office permanently, which they said would have been “disproportionate in this case”.
The published report revealed that tribunal members looked at about 1,000 messages which were sent between Mr Giles and the woman during a seven-month period in 2017.
The tribunal decision said: “Many of them are brief and mundane, relating to parish and other matters, but many are much more personal in nature and show a deep friendship and affection.”
They said that by sending the texts, Mr Giles had “failed accordingly to observe or maintain appropriate professional boundaries”.
Mr Giles is rector of Epperstone, Gonalston, Oxton and Woodborough, a role he has held since 2006.
Mr Giles declined to comment when approached by the BBC.
In a statement The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham said: “Many people may have been affected by this news. We offer an unreserved apology to those adversely affected by this misconduct which fell short of the high standards required and expected of clergy.”
Perhaps you need to get your facts right about the vulnerable woman who accused Anthony Giles.
@janice hope – do tell