Rare Church of England Tribunal Says Vicar Should Be Fired
In an unusual ruling that could potentially pit ecclesiastical law against statutory employment standards, a Church of England tribunal has decided that a vicar accused of being a bully and a liar—and even spitting at one of his churchwardens—should be fired.
The unusual and expensive church tribunal, which was held in London, unanimously agreed on this recommendation. It was based on a breakdown in pastoral relations between the Rev. Tom Ambrose, 60, and his parish, St. Mary and St. Michael in Trumpington, Cambridge, reports the London Times.
The vicar complained that the church bishop had ignored his pleas for help in dealing with the situation, the newspaper reports. Says Ambrose: “The church needs to learn how to treat people properly and pastorally and with real respect for employment law.”
News of the ruling was released yesterday, but the tribunal’s 37-page opinion won’t be made public until an appeals process is completed.
