Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 No. 1

Part VI E Conduct of Proceedings against Deacons, Priests or Bishops for Offences under the Measure involving Matter of Doctrine, Ritual or Ceremonial

Procedure under Part VI after Laying of Complaint E

39 Duty of diocesan upon the making of a complaint against a deacon or priest. E

(1) Upon a complaint under this Part of this Measure against a priest or deacon being duly laid and verified the bishop of the diocese before whose registrar it is laid shall take it into consideration and as soon as may be after a copy thereof has been served on the accused, shall afford to the accused and the complainant an opportunity of being interviewed in private by him either separately or together as the bishop thinks fit with respect to the matter of the complaint, and thereafter shall either:—

(a) decide that no further step be taken under this Part of this Measure in the matter of the complaint; or

(b) refer the complaint for inquiry under the following provisions of this Part of this Measure.

(2) Where, in pursuance of the foregoing subsection, the bishop decides that no further step be taken in the matter of the complaint he shall forthwith give notice of his decision to the complainant and to the accused and thereafter no further action shall be taken by any person in regard thereto.