A clergyman who worked at an Abbots Langley church has been barred from ministry work.
The Church of England’s (CofE) Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) found that Reverend Brian Jeffery Hibberd, a retired former minister at St Lawrence’s Church, had performed “conduct unbecoming and inappropriate to the office and work of a clerk in Holy Orders”.
On Sunday, June 23, Rev Hibberd was given a limited prohibition, which means that he is now unable to do any work in the ministry for four years.
This comes after a member of the St Lawrence’s congregation accused Rev Hibberd of sexual contact (attempted kissing), religious abuse, abuse by proxy, and acts of harassment.
The document detailing the CDM’s decision reads: “The papers make for concerning reading and there is little doubt that the complainant has been much affected by what they say the respondent [Hibberd] has done. Regrettably, this appears not to have been the first occasion upon which the respondent’s conduct towards women has given rise to concern.”
Rev Hibberd was also subject to a police investigation, however no further action was taken.
A spokesperson for the Diocese of St Albans said: “The CofE holds its clergy to very high standards, and any misconduct is addressed with the utmost seriousness. We deeply regret any harm caused by such misconduct and we have sincerely apologised and offered ongoing support to the person affected.
“We are not permitted to comment on particular allegations. This confidentiality is in place to protect all parties involved and to respect the privacy of those affected by any misconduct. Outcomes resulting in a penalty are published on the CofE’s website, where they are accessible to the public.”
Reverend Peter Waddell, vicar of St Lawrence, said: “I’m truly sorry for the harm done by Rev Hibberd’s actions, and would like to reiterate the public apology made by the Bishop of Hertford at the conclusion of the church investigation last year.”
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