Bishop Anne Dyer, Scotland's first female bishop, has received a wave of support as she seeks to resume her duties in the Diocese of Orkney and Aberdeen following allegations of bullying.

Rt Rev Anne Dyer, who was suspended in 2022, had been set to face a disciplinary tribunal after three complaints were filed against her.

However, a recent review by the church's independent procurator deemed it unnecessary to proceed, citing that it was not in the public interest.

Bishop Anne, who has consistently denied the allegations, was expected to return to her role last week but is currently on sick leave.

A group of over 20 members from the Scottish Episcopal Church expressed their support for her return in a letter published in Church Times.

This letter reflects the backing she has from clergy and lay members, showing a call for her reinstatement.

According to the BBC, Paul Reid KC, the church’s procurator, decided to drop the charges, despite finding enough evidence that could have led to a "realistic prospect" of conviction under church law.

Bishop Anne welcomed this outcome, stating her eagerness to resume her full duties and serve her diocese in the coming days.

However, four bishops, including the Primus, Most Rev Mark Strange, have voiced concerns.

In an open letter, they suggested that Bishop Anne reconsider whether she is the best person to lead the Diocese, which Bishop Anne described as "ill-considered and inflammatory," further accusing her colleagues of acting in an "unprofessional and un-Christian manner."

In response, 23 clergy and lay members from Shetland, alongside a priest from Orkney, issued their own open letter supporting Bishop Anne.

They expressed "deep sorrow" over what they called a "naive, cruel, and utterly disgraceful" intervention, urging the church to engage in "conversation, mediation, and reconciliation" to resolve the situation.