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A recent BBC investigation has uncovered fresh allegations of misconduct against Anne Dyer, the first woman to become a bishop in the Scottish Episcopal Church. These new complaints come on the heels of earlier bullying accusations. One notable case involves Isaac Poobalan, a priest from Aberdeen, who revealed that his experiences under Bishop Dyer have led to distressing nightmares. Despite her suspension last year related to previous bullying claims, no independent risk assessment was conducted when she resumed her duties, according to findings from File on 4 Investigates. The Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC), however, stated that they carefully evaluated the need for such an assessment and acknowledged the significant divisions still present within the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney. Bishop Dyer has denied all bullying allegations and described the new complaints as “totally without merit.”
Anne Dyer made history when she was consecrated as Scotland’s first female bishop in 2018. While some praised her for her spiritual insight and pastoral care, her tenure has been marred by multiple claims of inappropriate behaviour. In the past year alone, at least six separate complaints have been submitted. Among those is Isaac Poobalan, rector of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Aberdeen, who said he felt like “a dead man walking” due to what he perceived as attempts by the bishop to force him out. Poobalan had aimed to rally parishioners around Dyer, despite her initially controversial appointment. Controversy escalated in 2021 when Dyer announced St Andrew’s would close due to building issues, with a nearby church taking over as the cathedral, and she would become provost instead of Poobalan. The priest described meetings with the bishop as “loud” and “hostile,” which culminated in his suspension, although he was later reinstated after a grievance process and an independent church-commissioned report.
The independent report, prepared by Professor Iain Torrance, was highly critical of how Poobalan’s case had been managed, calling the entire situation a scandal and dubbing the handling of St Andrew’s “disastrous.” It also referenced bullying allegations and ultimately recommended Bishop Dyer’s resignation. She, however, disputed the findings, claiming errors in the report. The SEC published the report despite her objections and those from other church leaders. Poobalan’s provost title remains unreinstated, and he continues to feel deeply unsettled by his experiences. A legal representative for Dyer described the ongoing complaints as part of a campaign against the bishop and labeled them “frivolous” and “without merit.”
Another figure who came forward is Jen Bressers, a trainee priest who encountered Bishop Dyer shortly after her consecration. Bressers stated that she was shouted at and told her future priesthood would be limited to an unpaid role, due to perceived spiritual deficiencies and temporary health problems. This was particularly shocking to Bressers, who had been cleared medically to work and had experience dealing with difficult employers in other sectors. Along with two other women, she filed a bullying complaint in 2022. One of these was a trainee priest who was told she was mentally unstable and unsuitable for ministry, while another was a disabled staff member who alleged she was bullied and made redundant, with the situation leaving her suicidal. The Scottish Episcopal Church said these complaints underwent the “most heavily investigated” inquiry in its history. Although a senior church lawyer found evidence enough to suggest a potential conviction under church law, he decided against holding a tribunal, citing concerns that it might exacerbate tensions and cause distress for witnesses.
Following this decision, four bishops, including the Primus of the SEC, the Most Reverend Mark Strange, requested that Bishop Dyer reflect on whether she was the appropriate leader for the diocese. Dyer condemned their intervention as “ill-considered and inflammatory.” Meanwhile, over twenty church members publicly supported her leadership, praising her discernment, spiritual depth, and encouragement of others. Bishop Dyer resumed work
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