A prominent Oxford church has said that two women made reports against the late Revd David Fletcher in the latter years of his life.

St Ebbe's, where Revd Fletcher was previously the rector, said that the reports related to Fletcher being "inappropriately tactile". 

The church added that the complaints were referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

St Ebbe's said it was "very shocked" to hear of recent allegations of sexual abuse and coercion made against Revd Fletcher.

"We hold all victims and survivors of abuse in our prayers, hoping profoundly for their healing and recovery, and are praying very much for those who have come forward and for all those who are most affected by this announcement," the church said. 

"David Fletcher was Rector of St Ebbe’s from 1986-1998 and remained a congregation member until he died three years ago. His death means we cannot ask him the questions we all seek answers to. We do not know the details of the allegations ourselves and are therefore unable to answer questions in relation to them." 

On the complaints made against Revd Fletcher at St Ebbe's more recently, the church said:

"Since 2017, by which time David Fletcher was very unwell and had ceased doing any ministry, St Ebbe’s received reports from two women about him having been inappropriately tactile with them. These were referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. No other concerns have been reported to St Ebbe’s in relation to him."