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UK News

Evangelical pastors apologise for alleged 'spiritual abuse' by London vicar

by Cara Bentley

Speaking at the Evangelical Mission Assembly, the safeguarding officer at Emmanuel Church Wimbledon outlined the extent of the allegations made against the former vicar which are mainly linked to 'spiritual' abuse.

It included the use of discipline during mentoring when targets weren't met and the use of massaging, both clothed and unclothed.

Sarah Hall went on to say that every disclosure was reported to all necessary authorities and that in May this year the Diocese of Southwark reported all disclosures to the Police, who concluded that no action was required.

The Daily Telegraph wrote on Saturday that Mr Fletcher was banned from preaching after 'spiritually abusing' vulnerable adults and had his church powers taken away by the Bishop of Southwark in 2017.

Fletcher was the vicar at Emmanuel for 30 years from 1982 until 2012 but also had a myriad of other responsibilities and links in conservative evangelical circles in the UK, such as the Iwerne camps and the Reform group (who are now part of the Church Society). 

Emmanuel has launched a website for victims to get in touch, saying: "We want to walk with those who need support because of the activities of Jonathan Fletcher which have recently come to light.

"Our deep concern is for any who might have been adversely affected - whether through involvement at Emmanuel Wimbledon, other churches, summer camps, or personal connections in the UK or abroad.

"We want to make it as easy as possible for any who have, to any extent, been adversely affected to come forward for pastoral support, as some have already. You can do this here.

"In this situation, where a serious concern has arisen involving a senior church leader, we do not want to ignore those who have been hurt in an attempt to preserve reputations. We are humbly seeking to be open about failings, and to walk with those who are hurting."

An anonymous friend of Jonathan Fletcher's and some of the victims told Premier: "I am grateful that Emmanuel Church Wimbledon have put victims first and not sought to put the reputation of Jonathan nor their ministry above doing the right thing and seeking to support the victims".

Andrew Wales QC, a lawyer who has worked on this case, has said he has no doubts about the reliability of the victims, citing: "Their consistent nature, where, for the most part, each person was unaware of what anyone else had disclosed" among other reasons. 

The identity of those making disclosures has not been revealed.

The Diocese of Southwark has also said it will learn lessons from the situation.

A spokesperson said: "The Church takes all safeguarding issues very seriously and the Bishop on behalf of the diocese issues an unreserved apology to all those affected by these unacceptable behaviours.

"Support is being offered to anyone who comes forward.

"As with all serious safeguarding situations, a lessons learnt review will be carried out according to the House of Bishops guidance."

Meanwhile, an English bishop linked to conservative Anglican group GAFCON has told of his own suffering from spiritual abuse.

Andy Lines, who was appointed to look after churches who feel they no longer want to be under the authority of the Church of England, said he has taken some time off to reflect on his own situation.

He was mentored by Rev Fletcher, but hasn't named him in his statement on the matter.

He said: "I have been coming to terms with elements of spiritual manipulation in my own life.

"It has been a very hard and painful process requiring months of professional counselling for me to come to terms with what I have experienced.

"It took considerable time before the light went on, and has required lots of support during three months in Australia.

"However, I now realise the nature of what was happening. I have come to realise that this can happen to strong as well as vulnerable people.

"I have become aware that the particular manipulation and control I have experienced has been experienced by a number of others."

GAFCON says Andy Lines is gradually returning to full ministry.

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