THE Bishop of Chelmsford has apologised for the “profound hurt and harm David Tudor’s behaviour has caused” - and welcomed the decision to remove him from office.

David Tudor, Rector of Canvey in Chelmsford diocese, has been struck off for life and removed from his post following a hearing on Monday and Tuesday.

The tribunal examined two complaints against Mr Tudor and the penalty imposed following a “recent, full admission of guilt to disclosures of serious sexual abuse”, a statement from the bishop’s office said.

Commenting on the tribunal’s decision following a hearing on Monday, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani said: “I am deeply sorry for the profound hurt and harm David Tudor’s behaviour has caused and I welcome the tribunal’s decision to remove him from office and prohibit him from ministry for life.

“It has taken enormous courage from those who came forward to report David Tudor’s abuse that led to a formal complaint being investigated under the clergy discipline matter.

“I am extremely grateful to them for doing so and I know this lengthy process has caused considerable distress and anxiety.

“Anxiety and distress that could have been avoided, at least in some part, if David Tudor had made his admissions before now.”

The admission relates to when Mr Tudor was a priest in the Diocese of Southwark and includes “serious sexual abuse” involving a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old.

Bishop Guli added: “I am also grateful to the teams of safeguarding professionals in Chelmsford Diocese, Southwark Diocese and at the Church of England who continue to work together to support those who have been affected and liaise with the relevant statutory authorities.

“There will be important lessons that must be learned about how this matter has been handled over many years and I welcome the fact that there will now be a national independent safeguarding practice review.”

Diocese offers support over safeguarding

The Diocese of Chelmsford has urged those with any concerns or disclosure relating to the case to get in contact.

A spokesman for the Diocese said: “If you have a concern, allegation or disclosure relating to this case or any other matter relating to safeguarding, please call the Diocese of Chelmsford duty number on 01245 29 44 44 or email safeguarding@chelmsford.anglican.org.”

The Diocese also offers a “safe spaces” free and independent support service providing a confidential space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the church or as a result of their relationship with the church.

To get in contact regarding this service, telephone 0300 303 1056 or email SafeSpaces@Firstight.org.uk.

Alternatively, use their webchat service via the Safe Spaces website safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.

The service is open to anyone over 18 who lives in England and Wales and has no waiting lists for support with no requirement to be a current active member of the church to access support or have reported the incident to the police or church authorities.