[MDYP Church Link] Recent Communication from Bruce Cook

[Andrew Lang]

I apologise that you have received this communication as them purpose of the mailing list is to provide supportive material for ministry and not to promote personal agenda.  This maybe Bruce’s opinion but it is not the official view of the district.  It contains a number of errors in fact and breaches the agreed position of St Benedicts council.  Many of the ‘accusations’ are innuendo and are not supported by facts.  I urge that you do not circulate this information until you personally can verify the information in it.

The true situation is that following a number of complaints made to  the Bishop of the Murray (including by resident or residents of the Yorke Peninsula but not members or past members of our ministry district).  Bishop Keith quite correctly referred the matter to professional standards who found that Fr Thomas had a case to answer in terms of a breach of faithfulness in service  (Technically at this point he was neither guilty nor exonerated).  Fr Thomas hired a QC to challenge the jurisdiction of the professional standards tribunal to hear the complaint.   Proceedings were halted while professional standard took further legal advice and being advised that they could proceed the matter is now before the tribunal.   

This should be treated as any other court proceedings and not discussed until an outcome is determine and any attempt to rally the troops is in contempt of the processes designed to protect all of us from misbehaviour of the church.  Those who have undertaken the investigation and those who sit on the tribunal are independent and can be trusted to act fairly with all the facts at their disposal.

Thomas was a popular priest in this district and was responsible for many great innovations.  He is, like all of us subject to the standard set in Faithfulness in Service.  

I apologise for any stress this communication has created.


The Venerable Andrew Lang
Archdeacon of Wakefield and
District Priest Yorke Peninsula
Diocese of Willochra

0417 556 848