The elders of Christchurch Durham (CCD) have commissioned an external independent review into its leadership and governance, more than 18 months after a petition signed by around 166 people called for one.
The period under the spotlight particularly relates to Tony Jones’s term as senior pastor from 1994 until he left in late 2021.
A statement from the present eldership published 6 July on the CCD website says: ‘In May 2021, letters were received by the previous trustees which raised concerns about the leadership and governance of CCD. During the summer and autumn of 2021 our presiding Bishop, two trustees and two members of the Council of Reference resigned.
‘Tony Jones.. subsequently moved to the United States, where he became the senior pastor of Immanuel Leidy’s Church. The remaining trustees also stepped down from their responsibilities at CCD. In the summer of 2022, an independent review was commenced, but not completed.
‘In November 2022, new trustees were appointed to form an eldership (the “current leadership”), which includes the senior ministry team, and they are keen to listen carefully and with humility to those who have raised concerns to ascertain what lessons should be learned, and to enable repentance in relation to any established wrongdoing.
Accordingly, the current leadership has appointed Janys Scott KC to make a reasonable and fair enquiry about the factual basis for the concerns; collate evidence relating to those concerns; and produce a report that will assist them in considering the future governance of the church.’
The statement says Janys Scott (who practices family law in Scotland and is acting chair of the board of trustees of the Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship) will be in touch with those she would like to speak to for more information. It also makes clear the report will be published.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the review should submit a written summary to christchurchdurhamreview@gmail.com.
No deadline for submissions or a timescale for the review is included. en has asked the elders for further information.
In a letter to those who originally raised concerns, the elders said: ‘We were thankful that many people contributed to the review last year which Richard Rendall [the interim pastor] started, and like all, were saddened that it was unable to be completed. We are sorry for the disappointment and hurt this caused and understand that some may not want to contribute again.’
One of the individuals concerned said they had asked questions about the review but has yet to receive a reply. They added: ‘It is a start, but I wonder why CCD is using the legal KC route instead of a Christian safeguarding agency. Also it is limited to governance, only. This is important, but not the whole story.’
