A former Dundee rector who was forced out of his church amid allegations of financial impropriety, bullying and the “homophobic” behaviour of some disgruntled members of the congregation has been cleared of mismanagement by the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Courier can reveal.
In a letter to the congregation of St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, the Rev Robert Gillies, the acting Bishop of Brechin, also praised the Rev Jonathan Bower who, he said, had “received treatment … that was not in keeping with the procedures and processes of the Scottish Episcopal Church.”
Mr Bower left St Mary’s in February after “grave concerns” were raised by members of the congregation over the gay rector’s running of the church, along with allegations of “continued personal attacks on his sexuality” by some.
They claimed he was guilty of “controlling behaviour” and said there was a “poisoned atmosphere” due to his methods, which they said included attacks on the congregation from the pulpit, some of whom he allegedly also called “tomb-dwellers” online.
They also said £55,000 of “ring-fenced” money from the church organ fund had been used for the day-to-day running of the church, authorised by the minister.
One member, Dr Steve Woodward, said the rector branded him “homophobic,” which he dismissed as “ridiculous.”
Meanwhile, a group calling themselves “ashamed parishioners of St Mary’s Broughty Ferry” rallied behind the rector, branding the rebels as “poisonous, bigoted bullies.”
In a letter released to the congregation, however, Mr Bower was exonerated on all the allegations following an investigation.
Dr Gillies also praised his “commitment” and “significant efforts” to secure the church’s financial future.
Dr Gillies said a statement had been agreed between himself and Mr Bower as a “right of reply.”
He said he hoped his statement would bring to an end a “very painful episode” in the history of the church.
The letter states, “When I became acting bishop of the diocese last October, I was faced with the task of working on how to respond to the circulation of the document Grave Concerns among members of the congregation.
“This was not easy. However, the recently-presented audit of the congregation’s finances has seen us pass an important milestone.”
Dr Gillies’ statement read:”I acknowledge that during 2010 the Rev Jonathan Bower received treatment at St Mary’s Broughty Ferry that was not in keeping with the procedures and processes of the Scottish Episcopal Church. “I affirm that no financial mismanagment was caused or instigated by the Rev Bower during his time in office as rector of St Mary’s, and further that as incumbent, he had no powers of office to authorise or prevent particular expenditure. “I acknowledge that at no point during his ministry at St Mary’s were any disciplinary actions taken against the Rev Bower in relation to issues of leadership, financial management or pastoral care. “I affirm that while it is clear that funds from the organ fund were used to support the day-to-day running of the church, the operation and management of the organ fund was not a matter for the Rev Jonathan Bower acting on his own to prevent or facilitate. Further, I believe the vestry and the congregation at large were aware of the use of such funds. “I acknowledge the significant efforts and commitment the Rev Bower showed in securing the financial future of St Mary’s by leading and implementing a project to install a full-time nursery which will provide in excess of £20,000 income per year. “I acknowledge that despite tensions at St Mary’s, the Rev Bower worked effectively within his professional capabilities to ensure a stable financial future for the church. Under his leadership, attendance increased, as did planned giving.”