The Diocese of Winchester will take no action against the Rev. Sue Colman, one of 10 clergy slated for investigation on 25 Feb 2025 by the National Safeguarding Team at the conclusion of the Makin Review. Mrs. Colman, a non-stipendiary associate minister at St Leonard’s Oakley had stepped back from ministry after the Makin Review was published in November, however, in December the diocese determined that no action would be taken against her as she did “not pose a safeguarding risk.”
A statement released by the diocese said: “We are mindful that the recent news will raise many mixed and complex emotions for the survivors and victims of John Smyth who must remain at the forefront of our actions and prayers.
“We note the announcement from the national process and the decision to bring a complaint under the Clergy Disciplinary Measure (CDM) against the Revd Sue Colman.
“Revd Colman has been stepped back from ministry in the Diocese of Winchester since the November 13, 2024, following the publication of the Makin report.
“This status remains unchanged. A diocesan safeguarding risk assessment was carried on December 5, 2024 which concluded that the Revd Colman does not pose a safeguarding risk, confirming the national church’s previous assessment that the Revd Colman does not pose a safeguarding risk.
“The CDM process is a separate disciplinary process being brought by the National Safeguarding Team.
“We will continue to actively review and assess the situation with all relevant parties as we receive more information about the process, whilst providing pastoral support to all those involved.”
