Bishop Greg Thompson allegedly driven from office over his crackdown on paedophilia

Statement from Bishop Peter Stuart:

On behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle I express our considerable sadness at the news that Greg Thompson won’t be returning to ministry as the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle.

In his short time as our Bishop he has been the catalyst for deep cultural change around the protection of children and the support of victims of abuse. He called us to face our past and in doing so shape a healthy future. This will be his enduring legacy.

As part of shaping a healthy future, we worked together in November to initiate independent external reviews of diocesan governance and the professional standards and redress processes. These reviews are well underway and will continue the crucial work of transforming the Diocese. Bishop Greg has led the Diocese to greater health.

In 2013, the Diocesan family rejoiced that a ‘son of the diocese’ had been elected as the Diocesan Bishop. The clergy and people have delighted in his ministry in parishes, at the diocesan convention and synod. We have felt deep anguish for him and his family as we learnt of the abuse he experienced and the rejection by some in the Diocese.  

Throughout his ministry he has been committed to hearing the voices at the grassroots and empowering thevulnerable and people in need. Drawing on the great treasures in the teachings of Jesus, he has been unafraid of speaking strongly to the powerful to ensure transparency and promote justice. 

We are deeply thankful for Bishop Greg Thompson’s ministry as Anglican Bishop of Newcastle. Our thoughtsand prayers are with him and his family in this time of transition. [Ends]