The Preliminary Proceedings Committee of the Scottish Episcopal Church has referred a complaint concerning the Rt Rev Anne Dyer, Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney, to the Church’s Procurator under Canon 54, the Church’s clergy discipline canon.

The complaint concerns an alleged breach of the Code of Canons relating to the designation of a pro-cathedral in the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney. A pro-cathedral is a church designated to serve temporarily as a cathedral. The complaint is separate to those in the earlier Canon 54 process which concluded in 2024.

Under the Canons, Bishop Anne is automatically suspended from office, without loss of emoluments, pending the outcome of the proceedings. Suspension is an automatic procedural requirement at this stage and does not imply any finding of fault. Bishop Anne has been formally notified.

In accordance with Canon 6, Section 11, during the period of suspension the Primus shall act as Bishop of the Diocese, with full powers. The Primus has spoken with Bishop Anne, and arrangements for his episcopal oversight of the Diocese are currently being finalised.

Bishop Anne announced on 27 August that she will retire in February 2027, upon reaching the Church’s mandatory retirement age of 70.

The matter is now in the hands of the independent Procurator, and there is no fixed timescale for the process. As proceedings under Canon 54 are confidential and ongoing, the Church will be making no further comment at this stage.