Statement from Christ Church College
As required by Christ Church’s Statutes, an internal tribunal was convened to consider a complaint raised against the Dean in September 2018. Following a thorough investigation, the tribunal has decided that the charges are not upheld and that there is no cause to remove the Dean as Head of House. However, the tribunal made some criticism of the Dean’s conduct and found that there was one breach of his fiduciary duty.
We can therefore announce that Martyn Percy will resume his duties as Dean of Christ Church, on his return from holiday on 27th August. The complaint process has now concluded.
Statement from Bishop of Oxford
The Very Revd. Professor Martyn Percy
Wednesday 21 August 2019: following the announcement by Christ Church this evening, the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, has issued this statement:
“I am delighted to learn that this matter is now resolved. I look forward to seeing Martyn return to the Cathedral and his duties as Dean of Christ Church. This news will be widely welcomed across the Diocese of Oxford. These have been testing times for all involved, and my prayers are with Martyn and Emma, the Chapter and wider College in the coming months.”
+Steven Oxford
Good for Martyn. We may not agree theologically, but he was my principal at theological college and he was good and kind to his students. I hope he can get on with his life now.
Interesting that the press release is titled “Martyn Percy cleared…” but the body of the text says “there was one breach of his fiduciary duty”. With, of course, no explanation whatsoever from the CoE about what, exactly, that breach of fiduciary duty was. By keeping it all secret, the powers that be are able to maintain a “significant cloud” over Dr.Percy’s head, which appears to be how the powers that be control the CoE. “Breach of fiduciary duty” can be anything from embezzling millions to charging one’s lunch on Tuesday to the academic department to violating some 14th century statute requiring that 10 acres of college property be set aside for the King’s huntsman should be decide to visit.
I quite enjoy reading Dr. Percy’s articles, as I think he is an excellent writer – and I find that occasionally challenging my own assumptions is good mental exercise.