The Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev Bev Mason has published a letter to the author of the article “The Bishop of Liverpool: outstanding questions that need answers” published by Psephizo clarifying issues surrounding the Bishop of Liverpool.
Andrew, thank you for this comprehensive article and for your sensitivity. If I may, I would for the purpose of clarification, like to state that I did not seek to take leave of absence from the diocese of Liverpool. I persistently sought due process to bring this matter to a conclusion. Extended study leave was suggested by the archbishop of York’s office on three occasions as a pastoral response to my formal safeguarding disclosure against the Bishop of Liverpool. At the third suggestion by the Archbishop of York, in mid August 2023, I agreed and commenced the study leave on 7th September 2023. I would like to add that I remain immensely grateful to the Bishop in Europe who at very short notice, opened up the possibility of a chaplaincy in his diocese. This would extend to 4 chaplaincies, across 12 months as I awaited a resolution.
With regard to the safe recruitment of the Bishop of Liverpool, I was made aware in February 2023 that the Bishop of Liverpool had ‘bombed’ on safeguarding questions at interview. I was advised to retain safeguarding responsibility for Liverpool at least until the Bishop of Liverpool did some training. This was unsolicited. As the Acting Diocesan Bishop (responsible for safeguarding in the diocese) and according to proper process, I reported this to the Archbishop’s Secretary for Appointments; Liverpool’s Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor reported this to the NST.
I was given assurance in April 2023 that the Bishop of Liverpool had been safely recruited and there were no issues.
Rt Revd Beverley A Mason
Bishop of Warrington
