Newcastle Anglican diocese defrocks retired dean Andrew Duncan and reverends Bruce Hoare and Graeme Lawrence
Quote:THREE Anglican priests have been defrocked and several clergy are under investigation over allegations of "serious sexual misconduct'' in the Newcastle diocese.
Newcastle Bishop Brian Farran says the Anglican Professional Standards Board (PSB) has considered the conduct of four priests and one lay person.
As a result of the board's recommendations, Bishop Farran has removed retired dean Andrew Duncan and reverends Bruce Hoare and Graeme Lawrence from holy orders.
Cardiff Rector Graeme Sturt received an order banning him from exercising any ministry for five years, and school teacher Greg Goyette has been banned from holding any office with the church.
"The Professional Standards Board in open hearings considered some very disturbing material and determined that some of the respondents engaged in serious sexual misconduct, including misconduct when the complainant was a child,'' Bishop Farran said in a statement today.
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