"THE VERY REVEREND ROBERT KEY, the Dean of Jersey, has today apologised for mistakes in the handling of a safeguarding complaint and added his own apology to that of the Bishop of Winchester and Archbishop of Canterbury to the vulnerable person at the heart of this matter.
He has confirmed that he shares the Bishop of Winchester’s and Archbishop of Canterbury’s stated commitment to safeguarding in the Diocese and the wider Church. The Dean was speaking following meetings with the Bishop last week.
The Bishop acknowledges that, although mistakes were made, the Dean believed he was acting in good faith. Following the commitment that the Dean has made, the Bishop has decided that he will issue a new Commission to the Dean with immediate effect. The Bishop and the Dean have also agreed that, in the light of these recent events, there are areas in Jersey Canon Law which would benefit from further review and they are committed to working together as necessary to revise them.
The Dean said: “I regret mistakes that I made in the safeguarding processes and I understand that, upon reflection, it would have been more helpful if I had co-operated more fully with the Korris Review. I now add my own apology to that of the Bishop of Winchester and Archbishop of Canterbury to the vulnerable person at the heart of this matter. I will be cooperating with the Visitation and Investigation announced by the Bishop on 26 March. Together, the Bishop and I are committed to the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in Jersey and to working to ensure the safeguarding procedures of the Diocese achieve this as part of the whole Church’s mission.”
The Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, said: “Safeguarding must always be of paramount concern and is a vital part of the Church’s mission. We will now press ahead with the Visitation and Investigation and see them through to their conclusions, as we all have important lessons to learn. At the heart of this matter is safeguarding the vulnerable who have frequently been let down by the Church. The Dean’s apology is a welcome one, and I am glad that he has joined with me in reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding. I am also glad that the Dean has promised his full cooperation with these inquiries. I wish to assure the Dean and the people of Jersey of my prayers as we go forward together.”(END)
He has confirmed that he shares the Bishop of Winchester’s and Archbishop of Canterbury’s stated commitment to safeguarding in the Diocese and the wider Church. The Dean was speaking following meetings with the Bishop last week.
The Bishop acknowledges that, although mistakes were made, the Dean believed he was acting in good faith. Following the commitment that the Dean has made, the Bishop has decided that he will issue a new Commission to the Dean with immediate effect. The Bishop and the Dean have also agreed that, in the light of these recent events, there are areas in Jersey Canon Law which would benefit from further review and they are committed to working together as necessary to revise them.
The Dean said: “I regret mistakes that I made in the safeguarding processes and I understand that, upon reflection, it would have been more helpful if I had co-operated more fully with the Korris Review. I now add my own apology to that of the Bishop of Winchester and Archbishop of Canterbury to the vulnerable person at the heart of this matter. I will be cooperating with the Visitation and Investigation announced by the Bishop on 26 March. Together, the Bishop and I are committed to the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in Jersey and to working to ensure the safeguarding procedures of the Diocese achieve this as part of the whole Church’s mission.”
The Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, said: “Safeguarding must always be of paramount concern and is a vital part of the Church’s mission. We will now press ahead with the Visitation and Investigation and see them through to their conclusions, as we all have important lessons to learn. At the heart of this matter is safeguarding the vulnerable who have frequently been let down by the Church. The Dean’s apology is a welcome one, and I am glad that he has joined with me in reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding. I am also glad that the Dean has promised his full cooperation with these inquiries. I wish to assure the Dean and the people of Jersey of my prayers as we go forward together.”(END)
So the Dean says sorry and everything is OK?
Aim to separate the Church from the State I say
ReplyDeleteahimsa
Alleged victim "H.G."
ReplyDeleteBob Key "R.K."
Page 9.
5 days later R.K responded from his deanofjersey work email account saying, “I have not been able to access my gov.je email for a few days so have only just found this”.This seems disingenuous as H.G. had not sent her email to that address. It implies that Dean R.K. had just discovered its contents whereas it is highly likely that he had already discussed it with other recipients, not least with Vicar
Page 17.
On the subject of requesting a church warden to relinquish his duties Dean R.K. expressed concern about how the people on Jersey would react. Later R.K. reported, “In Jersey there is a real feeling that suspending someone reverses the burden of proof in the public mind. Instead of our much cherished ‘innocent until proven guilty’, the suspended person becomes thought of (no matter what those in authority may say), as ‘Guilty until exonerated’
Page 23.
H.G. felt disbelieved and publicly humiliated. In reaction to her sense of getting no adequate response to any of the issues she raised she appealed to the higher authority of the Bishop, to Lambeth Palace, and to the media in the form of BBC Jersey, all to no effect. Following this she went on a much publicised offensive against any number of people connected to the Church.
Page 25.
Following this H.G. was arrested for breaking a harassment order, brought before the magistrate and as she had no money, was at that time of no fixed abode and appeared mentally distressed, she was remanded in custody.
Safeguarding Advisor J.F. records her concern at these extreme measures and worked at setting up care for her with the prison chaplain. She is shocked when on 11th October H.G. was bound over and summarily deported from the Island for three years and put on a plane with no-one to meet her, no planned accommodation and no money. J.F. wrote to Bishop Michael, “Whilst I don’t think this is our responsibility in that the court decision and action was not of our making, I do feel we have a basic responsibility, as we would have for anyone, to do all we can to ensure her wellbeing
Page 33.
There seems to be no spirit of willingness or inquiry in this matter. I found that some of the Island clergy had been actively discouraged by the Dean of Jersey from fully engaging with me and therefore complying with the Bishop’s request.
Page 37
However, as a result of the absence, or withholding, of records on Jersey and Dean R.K.’s resistance to co-operate with my requests, against the expressed desire of his Bishop, I have had to look more deeply into the possible reasons for this and comment upon whether there are disciplinary matters involved.
Page 37
The Church let H.G. down. Despite the difficulties of her background and disablement, and struggle with some everyday practicalities, H.G. was none-the-less in employment, pursuing hobbies, socializing and wanting to be accepted in the church community. Over the next three years H.G.’s life changed from having no history of being in trouble with the law, to having a police record and being a displaced person, homeless on the streets of the mainland.
Page 38.
Dean R.K. has not refuted H.G.’s description of their meeting. The only witness was Dean R.K.’s personal assistant who is his wife and she has refused to be interviewed for this Review.
Page 40.
Safeguarding Advisor J.F. described the annual training sessions on Safeguarding she had offered on Jersey over the past seven or eight years. She was not aware that the Dean of Jersey had attended at any time.
"Sorry" and business as usual? #TheJerseyWay.
Good for the Dean. Lets all hope he can put this behind him and carry on the good work.
ReplyDeleteOne could believe he will, quite easily, be able to “put this behind him” certainly a lot easier than alleged victim HG.
DeleteAs for “carrying on the good work” did you read the above comment?
My thoughts and support are with HG.
This is disgusting. The Dean is sounding like the victim in all this. Have we learnt anything in Jersey. The investigation isn't even complete so how is the Bishop saying that the dean has acted in good faith. Bailhache is all over this. They wanted him back for Liberation day and got there way.
ReplyDeleteEverybody seems to forget, the dean and his wife daffney were very vitriolic in their support for then deputy dorey. Even today, the public has never been made aware of the depravity of what was found, why has their been no mention of the church warden, another abuse of power, it seems theirs a rule for one and a rule for another in this island, it sickens me. In england they can date abuse back to 1966 but in Jersey we're selective. Is it me or as each day goes by is it getting harder to tell the difference between Jersey's Privileged few and the sex offenders register.
ReplyDeleteP. Bailhache must be very pleased with himself this week.
ReplyDeleteWednesday he gets just what he wanted after his sabotaging/high jacking, of The Electoral Commission. Then today he will be taking credit for getting the Dean back for Liberation Day.
There is no doubt whatsoever that in both cases P. Bailhache's involvement is atrocious....
He is proving to be untouchable, and there seems to be nothing whatsoever, anyone can do about it!?
Indeed Senator Bailhache looks to be undermining the authority of alleged Chief Minister Ian Gorst and keeping Jersey's international reputation in the mud by doing so.
DeleteThe "great and the good" of Jersey has come out in support of the Dean, where were they all when the Chief of Police, Graham Power QPM, was suspended without due process?
Nothing has changed on this island and the "lessons have been learnt" sketch is wearing thin. Nobody from the Jersey "great and good" has shown support for HG, or any victim.
Who will "dare" report abuse on this island now?
I am appalled by this. The Dean has said sorry, but so he should be! Someone has got the whitewash out, obviously. As a Churchgoer, I feel let down. Quite ashamed, in fact.
ReplyDeleteCome on, the Dean has been punished enough, he has apologised and has demanded that old procedures be looked into, so why not be positive about this announcement for a change?
DeleteThe Dean has been punished enough? What about the alleged victim? She reported alleged abuse from a warden who needs chaperoning when around women, so has form in this behavior, and for her troubles she gets dragged through one of Jersey’s notorious kangaroo courts, effectively deported off the island left penniless and homeless, living on the streets…………And the Dean has been punished enough? #priceless
DeleteToo little too late as far as I am concerned. The damage is done (to the victim). An apology at this stage of the game is vastly overdue.
ReplyDeleteSo Bailhache gets his errant Dean by his side on Liberation Day after all, and will play the farce that all in the church garden is rosy!
Quite, quite sickening.
Jersey living up to its reputation. Disgusting.
ReplyDeleteWinchester is the antithesis of the Diocese of Chichester earlier this week. But even Chichester is not attributing failure to the institution but to senior members of the church who 'retired early.'
ReplyDeleteHowever by comparison to neighbouring Winchester, which it appears is an unreconstructed Neanderthal, Chichester is starting to appreciate that denial creates a Petri dish from which further challenges inevitably arise.
Steer clear of the institution - Petri dishes cared for by the institution are dangerous.
You apparently do not understand what is happening here. The culture in Chichester Diocese started going wrong 20 years ago, and far from being a few bad apples, the rot had spread most of the way down the tree.
DeleteThe new bishop has been explicitly appointed to clean up the situation - having to suspend 100+ clergy from their posts because they had not undergone the mandatory checks to ensure they weren't paedophiles or sexual predators does not suggest a minor problem.
There have been no such shenanigans in the mainland part of Winchester Diocese. The situation has been properly and effectively managed there. The only point where that has been any issue has been in Jersey, and the key to that is that the Jersey authorities do not care about safeguarding the vulnerable, as we all well know.
The fact that the Diocese have extracted an apology, a commitment to cooperate with enquiries by the Commission (which could still result in further disciplinary action), and a review of Canon Law to stop this happening again indicates that the Establishment have lost, and badly. Winchester have teeth, and have shown them.
It looks like another typical tale of Jersey Government folk. But it also looks as if the deal done requires the COE in Jersey to comply with the COE standards for safeguarding. That is a gain.
ReplyDeleteThe reception on return will be interesting. It is just possible that not everyone will welcome the returning Dean with warm applause assuming that he does return that would require the "stress" which has kept him on a sickie to be cured by the news.
The Dean's reinstatement is not warmly welcomed by all, not least by a number of church-goers, among many others, that I have spoken with. Due to the culture of fear and alleged bullying within the Jersey church, these people are too frightened to speak out.
Delete"The Jersey Way" is as alive and well today as it was pre Haut de la Garenne/Savile where people daren't speak out against abuse(rs)
You are quire right. I know what the Dean I really like and personally know people who are afraid to speak out about his bullying and blackmailing.
DeleteI do not welcome him with open arms as I too know someone who has been bullied by him. Time will tell if he does have the humility to learn from his mistakes.
DeleteWell done to Voice for Children on publishing the press release so speedily.
ReplyDeleteThe Church authorities have had months if not years to get its act together but its handling of the suspension/Commission withdrawal leaves a lot to be desired.
Normally suspensions are imposed to allow for the Investigation into the complaint to be undertaken during the suspension period. As it is clear that the Investigation/ Visitation has not been completed one must ask why was the Commission withdrawn in the first place.
I have been in contact with HG, she was not aware of the reinstatement nor has she received the Dean’s apology.
Bob.
Delete"she was not aware of the reinstatement nor has she received the Dean’s apology."
That just about sums it all up. In the eyes of the elite, HG, is the least important part to this puzzle but to the good people of Jersey, of which there are many, she remains the MOST important part.
Now that the Dean looks to be getting over his stress, he might find it in himself, to personally, unreservedly apologise to HG?
Normally suspensions are imposed to allow for the Investigation into the complaint to be undertaken during the suspension period. As it is clear that the Investigation/ Visitation has not been completed one must ask why was the Commission withdrawn in the first place.
DeleteSimple, Bob - the investigation and the Visitation are two quite different things. The investigation is into this specific case: the Dean has had to acknowledge that he did the wrong thing (and that's going to be on the record forever - the Internet never forgets - so it may well have done for any chance of promotion). The facts are now acknowledged. Whether you feel that a mumbled I'm sorry from a man with his arm twisted up behind his back is sufficient is a large question, but the Diocese have effectively made their point.
The Visitation is looking at the much bigger issues of whether the Church in Jersey actually treats safeguarding the vulnerable as a priority, and if not, what is required to change the culture so that it does. That could easily include things such as extending the Clergy Discipline Measure into Jersey (which would be a significant piece of legislative process) - and keeping the Dean out of commission while that was done would take significantly longer than either Graham Power's or John Day's suspension.
Well the Dean has been re-instated so maybe its time you accepted it.
ReplyDeleteJust seems strange that the owner of this Blog seems so hell bent on trashing him, its a shame really.
The Korris Report trashed the Dean as did he himself by his actions and inactions. This Blog site primarily supports any victim of abuse to add balance to the trashing of the (alleged) victims by the State Media and Philip Bailhache.
DeleteLeave him in piece.
DeleteLots of people are pleased he is back where he belongs thank to Lord.
In my opinion the Dean belongs nowhere near a church.
DeleteWhat about alleged victim HG, is she (sleeping rough on the streets) where she belongs?
From the Korris Report.
Delete“Page 37
The Church let H.G. down. Despite the difficulties of her background and disablement, and struggle with some everyday practicalities, H.G. was none-the-less in employment, pursuing hobbies, socializing and wanting to be accepted in the church community. Over the next three years H.G.’s life changed from having no history of being in trouble with the law, to having a police record and being a displaced person, homeless on the streets of the mainland.”(END)
Her crime? Reporting alleged abuse in Jersey.
The Dean is not the abuser, you make it sound like he was.
ReplyDeleteAnybody who fails alleged victims, in my opinion, ARE the alleged abusers. You can make your own mind up whether that includes the Dean or not.
DeleteI hope that at some point soon the truth about what the Dean and his wife are really like comes out. He calls himself a Christian but I do not believe that bullying and blackmailing is very Christian. Him and his wife are nasty pieces of work that behave in that manner in order to further themselves. If rumours are be believed his wife has ambitions for him to become a bishop!
ReplyDeleteI think this post and others is so out of touch with whats right and wrong.
ReplyDeleteHas the Dean been prosecuted for abuse? No. Has the Dean been fired? No. Are the people within the Church happy he is back in his job? Absolutely, and that does not make them helpers of an abuser does it? I get the feeling there are a couple of people on here who just want to look at the worst case scenario and rub the Dean's face in it which is so sad, because he is a lovely man. To even hint that the Dean would have allowed an abuse victim to suffer is almost on the verge of evil.
"Just seems strange that the owner of this Blog seems so hell bent on trashing him, its a shame really."
ReplyDeleteI do not believe the owner of this blog is "hell bent on trashing him", please enlighten, perhaps you might be able to persuade me that your view is based on some logic, furthermore "its a shame really", why?
It's absolutely disgusting that he's been reinstated but unfortunately not surprising. The good old Jersey way wins again. I have also heard he is not as popular as Bailhache and others would have you believe. In fact according to many church goers he is pretty disliked, but as stated by others in this comment section, most are too afraid to speak out and who wouldn't be unless you fancy being trashed and then forced to leave.
ReplyDeleteI dream of a day when it's the abused that get the help that's needed and not the abusers and the ones that stand by them and help the cover ups.
Cat
You must be attending a different Churth to me then Cat.
DeleteThis morning the service was wonderful!
I notice you had no thoughts for the poor victim HG in this reply and are obviously more concerned about what the service was like. Lets hope this never happens to you or any one you love in the future as you might not enjoy the hypocrisy then.
ReplyDeleteComment at 18.28, You must be attending a different church to me then Cat, this mornings service was wonderful, end. yes and I bet all the congregation are do gooders, and all far above us plebs, and willing to be led by the nose.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Whilst I agree that this whole affair stinks, the responses here intrigue me. How odd that on posts to do with HDLG there's hardly a peep from some. But as soon as it's to do with the church, they come crawling out of the woodwork, here to protect their cult leader and ignore the suffering of the poor victem.
ReplyDeleteChristians, eh?
Cult leader?
ReplyDeleteI think I've had enough of this blog already.
You are all sinners as far as I am concerned.
VFC.
ReplyDeleteComments at 17:18, 17:48, 18:11, and 18:28, seem very much in the style of Jon H and co.
Don't let these cowards on!
And 19:30
ReplyDeleteI have no problem with people (whoever they are) showing support for Bob Key. It is important to show readers, both local and across the seas, what Jersey has (or hasn't) learnt since the HDLG/Savile/Kincora/North Wales/Magdelen Laundries etc.
DeleteThe comments in support of the Dean and not the alleged victim "HG" tells me nothing has been learnt and it is business as usual in Jersey.
Overseas readers will hopefully know that the Jersey Elite is not representative of the good people on the island and there are those of us that do care for, and support, any victims of alleged abuse.
Matthew 6:14 - 'For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you'.
ReplyDeleteIt is not too late for you all to seek forgiveness.
Let us hope that the Dean is praying for forgiveness.
DeleteWhat a slap in the face to HG.
ReplyDeleteI could say god help any victims of abuse in Jersey. Where do these people turn for help?
John 1:9
ReplyDelete'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.'
You should remove these hateful posts against our Dean to avoid the wrath of the Lord.
This is my latest posting on the Dean of Jersey
ReplyDeletehttp://ricosorda.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-dean-of-jersey-re-instated-but-what.html
rs
Would anyone know what time the interview was broadcast this morning?
ReplyDeleteSorry to change subject. ON CSI sky Curtis Warrnn case
ReplyDeleteAfter learning that BBC State Radio were going to be broadcasting a show today concerning the Dean's reinstatement I offered to participate in the show to add some balance and hopefully be a voice for victims.
ReplyDeleteAfter listening to the show my fears were realised where, in my opinion, it was a one sided assault on HG and victims of abuse and Dakin was portrayed as the bad guy while Matthew Price allowed Gavin Ashenden to discredit the integrity of HG and all alleged victims (IMO)
Below are the e-mails I sent in the hope that HG, and victims, could be represented. Both E-mails were not even acknowledged.
from: voiceforchildren voiceforchildren
to: Jon Gripton
cc: bob hill
date: 28 April 2013 20:55
subject: Fwd: Dean reinstatement.
mailed-by: gmail.com
Jon.
FYI. I have (in the e-mail below) offered to participate in Matthew's show in the morning concerning the reinstatement of the Dean. The e-mail has not been acknowledged but I would like the record to show that I offered to come into the studio to be a voice for victims.
from: voiceforchildren voiceforchildren
to: Matthew Price - Jersey
cc: bob hill
date: 28 April 2013 12:34
subject: Dean reinstatement.
mailed-by: gmail.com
Matthew.
I am aware that you will be broadcasting a piece tomorrow morning concerning the reinstatement of the Dean. I'm concerned that you will not have anybody in the studio who will be giving support to alleged victim HG.
Both myself and Bob Hill (copied in) have Blogged extensively on this subject. Speaking for myself I would be happy to come into the studio tomorrow morning and be "the balance" to the support for the Dean and offer the alleged victim's argument.
Bob might also be willing to take part in the show? Regardless I believe, for the sake of HG and all alleged abuse victims, that somebody should be there to demonstrate victims (alleged or otherwise) do have support on this island.(END)
Hopefully TJW will have recorded the show and will publish.
Gavin Ashenden is rapidly turning into Rentagob.
DeleteIs it at all significant that he came to Jersey from the Diocese of Chichester?
All very well but I think the question is are you qualified to do this? Do you know the victim and the case well enough to give an opinion and looking at your past written dislike of the BBC should you even be contacting them at all?
ReplyDeleteIt does come across a bit strange when bloggers are one minute laying into the BBC and then the next minute expecting to be on their programmes.
Some people’s logic is just baffling. Are you saying that if you criticize the BBC you should be prevented from adding any balance to their programs and still be expected to pay the license fee?
DeleteVictims of abuse were offered support and the BBC won’t allow that support because the person offering it doesn’t agree with the BBC’s agenda? #priceless
No I am saying you are unqualified to.
ReplyDeleteI would rather hear the views of a person who works in this as a specialised subject rather than a politically motivated blogger which you appear to be.
Well unfortunately the BBC denied you the opportunity to “hear the views of a person who works in this as a specialised subject” or anybody else for that matter. The views of HG or any (alleged) abuse victim were not part of the BBC’s agenda.
DeleteBut don’t complain about it because you might lose the right to offer support for anybody if you criticize the BBC.
Don't take it personally.
ReplyDeleteI just think a view about this victim's alleged treatment which you have never met but seem to believe you are in a position to give an opinion on as rather unusual. Just because you pay a BBC licence fee does not automatically give you a right to give what some would see as a psychological opinion on an issue you have never been a party to. I would have thought the author of the report would have been much more appropriate.
I would not be surprised that they turned your offer down by a no responce.
After reading the Korris Report I believe I am qualified to give an opinion. Your logic is still baffling by assuming that nobody is qualified to give an opinion on a person unless they’ve met them!
ReplyDeleteThe “psychological opinion” is another baffling part of your logic.
Unfortunately the BBC let you down again because they didn’t have the author of the report on the show either.
As you would have liked to have had “the views of a person who works in this as a specialised subject” and the author of the report on the show and neither of them were you might be as disappointed as I am?
I do not think the Dean is on trial.
ReplyDeleteThey were critical of this report at one stage anyway.
The Dean will never be on trial in this island, that doesn't mean that he shouldn't be. Show me a critical report that either hasn't been or couldn't be critisized.
Deletehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22306588
ReplyDeleteLINK
DeleteWhy do you presume to speak for 'all alleged abuse victims' ? I am aware of at least one victim who find bloggers' continuing interference in their experiences and suffering both perplexing, and incredibly intrusive. Please do not assume, and inform others, that you speak for all.
ReplyDeletePlease do not assume that this Blog assumes to speak for ALL victims, this has never been the case. Victims/survivors are individuals and should be treated as such. After speaking with dozens of survivors/victims every one of them is supportive of this Blog and support its endeavours to expose the corruption on this island. The victim you are aware of is just as important as the dozens that I am aware of and I hope he/she has managed to find peace and justice.
DeleteWe are yet to see any proper evidence of corruption in this Island as to many sceptics this is just a political scaremongering urban myth.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you’re probably right. It’s easy for children to be abused in State run institutions for a period of decades without any kind of corrupt cover up. It’s understandable that a number of “priority suspects” don’t face trial and remain in a position to harm children/vulnerable people…………..
ReplyDelete"The Jersey Way" is the topic for this week's discussion at CHOW (Church House on Wednesday) 1pm to 2pm. Free admission with soup etc at £5 if wanted.
ReplyDeleteIf you aren't there you cannot participate - it is as simple as that.
This is not a claim shared by current States Members.
ReplyDeleteWhich only goes to demonstrate how sick this place STILL is and why abuse victims/survivors have no faith/trust in the system.
DeleteAnonymous, you seem to have a lot to say. I challenge you to reveal yourself.
ReplyDeleteJersey hit by AGENDA 21
ReplyDeletehttp://ricosorda.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-dean-returns-to-his-unelected-seat.html
ReplyDeleteRS
@Jacques "Anonymous, you seem to have a lot to say. I challenge you to reveal yourself."
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Anonymity online is a privilege not a right. It is only necessary if you fear some kind of retribution or reputational damage if you reveal yourself. When you use anonymity as a cloak to hide behind and insult others, you deserve to be block and ignored. We've had enough idiot trolls.