THE Bishop of Durham has called for a “full and independent” review following the conviction of a former senior clergyman for historic sex assaults.

It follows claims of a “cover up” over the Church of England’s handling, at the time, of a complaint over the activities of the now convicted retired cleric Granville Gibson.

The Northern Echo:

APOLOGY: Bishop of Durham Paul Butler

The 80-year-old churchman, who lives in Darlington, is facing a possible prison sentence after being found guilty of two counts of indecent assault at Durham Crown Court.

In the wake of those convictions, for incidents dating back to the late 1970s and early 80s, when Gibson was vicar at St Clare’s Church, Newton Aycliffe, the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, offered a “profound” apology to the victims.

One offence was committed on a teenager carrying out community service work at the church, while the other conviction involved a young clergyman in his mid-20s.

During the course of the nine-day trial, the court heard the clergyman had reported his concerns over Gibson to the then Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Dr John Habgood.

He said he was later told by Bishop Habgood that Gibson had denied the claims and that this was the end of the matter.

Gibson was later promoted under Bishop Habgood’s successor, the Right Reverend David Jenkins, to become Archdeacon of Auckland, bringing with it the title of the Venerable Granville Gibson.

Opening the case, last week, prosecutor Paul Cleasby told jurors: “A clearer example of brushing something under the carpet you could not wish to find.”

In a statement issued after the guilty verdicts, Bishop Butler said: “Following the conviction today of the Venerable Granville Gibson on two charges of indecent assault, we offer an unreserved apology to all the survivors and those affected by this news.

“We commend the bravery of those who brought these allegations forward, acknowledging how difficult and distressing this would have been. 

“We are profoundly sorry for the abuse perpetrated by Mr Gibson and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure the wellbeing of children, young people and adults, who look to us for respect and care.

“Abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has lifelong effects.

“I am asking the Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Management Group to commission a full and independent review of all the circumstances surrounding this case, so that we can learn from what has happened.

“We expect that review to take place and report over the next few months.
“Our prayers are with everyone concerned and, should anyone be affected by today’s news or want to share concerns, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Contact Line: 0800-689 4704.”

Bishop Butler acts as advocate for children among Anglican bishops and chairs the Church’s National Safeguarding Committee.

The court heard that former Bishop Habgood, who went on to become Archbishop of York, and later a life peer, was now too unwell to be called to give evidence in the trial.