News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Martyn-Percy-Dean-Oxford-Christ-Church-Main_article_image.jpg
GoFundMe
UK News

Christ Church Dean reinstated after accusations quashed

A formal complaint was raised by a member of the college last November, which resulted in Rev Martyn's suspension.

The tribunal's ruling to reinstate the Dean was announced on Christ Church's website on Wednesday.

"As required by Christ Church's Statutes, an internal tribunal was convened to consider a complaint raised against the Dean in September 2018. Following a thorough investigation, the tribunal has decided that the charges are not upheld and that there is no cause to remove the Dean as Head of House."

The Bishop of Oxford, Dr Steven Croft, welcomed the decision, saying: "I am delighted to learn that this matter is now resolved. I look forward to seeing Martyn return to the Cathedral and his duties as Dean of Christ Church.

"This news will be widely welcomed across the diocese of Oxford. These have been testing times for all involved, and my prayers are with Martyn and Emma, the Chapter and wider College in the coming months."

Details regarding the nature of the complaint made against Percy were not made public, but the college told alumni in a letter in January that the row related to pay.

It's believed that Percy, who is both college head and dean of the cathedral earns around £90,000 a year plus accommodation, which is relatively low compared with other college heads.

Concerns over Percy's governance of the college were also thought to be part of the dispute, following efforts by the Dean to reform pay structures.

Under the college's statutes, there are limited circumstances in which the dean can be removed.

These include persistent failure or neglect of duties; being convicted of an offence that renders the dean unfit for office; physical or mental incapacity and behaviour of an "immoral, scandalous or disgraceful nature".

Supporters of the dean raised concerns that Percy was not given the opportunity to defend allegations against him or put forward any supporting documentation.

The hearing, presided over by retired High Court judge Sir Andrew Smith, was expected to cost the college at least £500,000.

Percy's supporters raised more than £85,000 to cover the cost of legal fees.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate