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Anne Dyer

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The Right Reverend

Anne Dyer
Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney
ChurchScottish Episcopal Church
DioceseAberdeen and Orkney
Elected9 November 2017
Installed1 March 2018
PredecessorBob Gillies
Previous post(s)Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham (2005–2011)
Orders
Ordination1987 (deacon)
1994 (priest)
Consecration1 March 2018
by Mark Strange
Personal details
BornFebruary 1957 (age 67)
Yorkshire, England
DenominationAnglicanism
SpouseRoger
ChildrenOne daughter
Alma mater

Anne Catherine Dyer (born February 1957) is a British Anglican bishop, previously an academic administrator.

In 2018, she became Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney in the Scottish Episcopal Church. Subject to a report process, with a recommendation that she step aside permanently, then mediation, she was suspended from office on 10 August 2022 after allegations of misconduct were made against her. She was reinstated as Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney 8 October 2024 after Clergy Disciplinary Tribunal was dismissed and her suspension ended.[1]

Previously, from 2005 to 2011, she was the Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham, a theological college of the Church of England. Thereafter, she was Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Haddington, East Lothian in the Diocese of Edinburgh (in the Scottish Episcopal Church) between 2011 and 2018.

Early life and education

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Dyer was born in February 1957 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England.[2][3][4] She was educated at Bradford Girls' Grammar School, an all-girls private school.[4] She studied chemistry at St Anne's College, Oxford, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree:[2][3] as per tradition, her BA was later promoted to a Master of Arts (MA Oxon) degree.[3] She then worked as a business analyst/systems analyst at Unilever.[2]

In 1984, Dyer entered Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, an Evangelical Anglican theological college, to train for ordained ministry.[3] During this time, she also studied theology.[2] She left theological college in 1987 to be ordained in the Church of England.[3] She continued her theological studies, and completed a Master of Theology (MTh) degree at King's College, London in 1989.[2][3]

Ordained ministry

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Dyer was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1987 and as a priest in 1994.[3] All Dyer's parish ministry in the Church of England was spent in the Diocese of Rochester.[3] While she continued her studies, she held two non-stipendiary minister (NSM) appointments: at St John's Church, Eden Park (1987 to 1988), and at St George's Church, Beckenham (1988 to 1989).[3] From 1989 to 1994, she was parish deacon of Christ Church, Luton.[3] In 1993, she was appointed an associate adviser in evangelism for the diocese.[2] From 1994 to 1998, she was also an NSM of St Barnabas' Church, Istead Rise.[3] Then, from 1998 to 2004, she was the Ministry Development Officer for the Diocese of Rochester.[2][3] In 2000, she was appointed an Honorary Canon of Rochester Cathedral.[3]

In August 2004, Dyer was announced as the next Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham.[2] Cranmer Hall is an evangelical Anglican theological college that forms part of St John's College, Durham University. In January 2005, she took up the appointment following her licensing by the Bishop of Durham (Tom Wright).[5] In 2008, she was appointed an honorary canon of Durham Cathedral.[3] She stepped down as warden in 2011, and was succeeded by Mark Tanner.[3][6]

In 2011, Dyer moved to the Scottish Episcopal Church, having been appointed rector of Holy Trinity Church, Haddington, East Lothian in the Diocese of Edinburgh.[3][7] Since 2015, she has also been a member of the council of the Scottish Episcopal Institute, the Scottish Episcopal Church's theological college.[8]

Episcopal ministry

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On 9 November 2017, Dyer was selected as the next Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, making her the first woman to have become a bishop in the Scottish Episcopal Church.[9][10] Her selection caused controversy due to her gender, support of same-sex marriage, and that she was not elected by the diocese itself (she was appointed by the house of Bishops after the diocese failed to choose its own bishop).[11][12][13] Two senior clergy in the diocese resigned their diocesan roles in protest, including Emsley Nimmo, the dean of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney.[14] She was consecrated a bishop on 1 March 2018 during a service at St Andrew's Cathedral, Aberdeen.[15]

Allegations of bullying and investigation

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In February 2021, Dyer was accused of bullying by a number of clergy, laypeople and church employees in The Times.[16] Amongst the issues reported in The Times article was that an independent investigation had been commissioned after Dyer dismissed the musical director at her cathedral. The investigation report was highly critical of Dyer, and found that there were “insufficient grounds” for the dismissal.[17] In March 2021, the College of Bishops commissioned Iain Torrance to lead an Independent Review into "difficulties" in the Diocese following a series of allegations regarding the Bishop.[18] In August 2021 the College of Bishops announced their intention to defer publication of the report and move to a second stage of reviewing.[19]

A few days later The Times reported Torrance's findings which had taken evidence from over 100 people.[20] His report,[21] which Dyer tried to have changed after completion,[22] found that there was a culture of bullying and "systematic dysfunction in the diocese", and that there were previous similar problems in Dyer's time at Durham. Professor Torrance stated that: "Without colluding in what I much fear is a repetition of the past, I cannot recommend the continuation of a tenure in which I fear that more people will be made to feel diminished and discouraged." He recommended that Dyer be immediately sent on sabbatical and that she should step down from her position permanently.[21]

However, the bishops decided, instead, to establish a mediation process.[23] Dyer has stated that she herself had been a victim of bullying, that the diocese was "not well", and that "The mediation process being offered to our diocese is our treatment".[24]

On 10 August 2022, Dyer was suspended as bishop after the SEC announced they had received two complaints of bullying.[25] An Episcopal Synod (meeting of bishops) met on 30 September, voting 3 to 2 to refuse the appeal and continue Dyer's suspension from office. The church stated that "The suspension does not constitute disciplinary action and does not imply any assumption that misconduct has been committed".[26]

On 8 November 2023, the church announced that the case had been referred to the church's Procurator to decide if the case should be referred to their Clergy Disciplinary Tribunal.[27] Subsequently, the Procurator resigned "to allow the appointment of a replacement who has no pre-existing connection of any nature to any of the parties or witnesses potentially involved, so as to avoid any suggestion that the process was not being conducted in an independent and impartial manner", to be replaced by a new procurator on 23 January 2024.[28] A tribunal hearing on three complaints will be held in Edinburgh in September 2024.[29]

From September 2022, John Armes was the acting Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, while Dyer remains suspended.[30] Dorsey McConnell, former Bishop of Pittsburgh, took on the role on 1 November 2023.[31]

In April 2024, it was reported that Dyer was still under suspension and must to face a Clergy Discipline Tribunal over allegations of conduct unbecoming of a cleric.[32]

However, on 8 October the church dropped all charges against Dyer even though the prosecutor stated that “there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction in respect of each allegation.” He said that the decision was due to some complainants having misgivings about giving testimony and being cross-examined. The dropping of charges meant that Dyer's suspension immediately ended and she could return as Bishop on 24 October.[33] The dropping of charges caused shock amongst parishioners, one telling the BBC that the decision “is profoundly concerning and makes a mockery of the Church's disciplinary process.” Another commented that the decision “sets a dangerous precedent that, in this case, has had the effect of shielding one of its own senior leaders from further scrutiny at a tribunal.”[34]

Following the protests, four of the six Bishops (who include Dyer) of the Scottish Episcopal Church wrote a letter and also released a statement to the Church Times calling on Dyer to resign.[35]

Additional allegations

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In 2024 allegations were submitted to the Scottish Charity Regulator charging that Dyer oversaw submission of incorrect accounts for the Episcopal Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney.[36]

A dossier of allegations was submitted to the regulator by Simon Mark Arthur, 4th Baron Glenarthur in 2022 Simon Arthur, 4th Baron Glenarthur. Charity watchdog looks at ‘bullying’ scandal diocese and again in 2024 Scotland’s first female bishop faces fresh allegations over church accounting.

A spokesman for Bishop Anne Dyer said she “emphatically denies these false and malicious allegations”.

He added: “They appear to be merely the latest salvo in a relentless campaign by a small handful of individuals seeking to force Bishop Anne from office due to their beliefs on issues such as female bishops and same-sex marriage.

“Bishop Anne was unaware of this complaint to OSCR until she was contacted by The Sunday Times and is confident that the facts, once established, will bear out her innocence and that of the professional advisers to the diocese. She shares the same view of the previous complaint to OSCR, which remains outstanding.

“It's important to note that several of the allegations pre-date Bishop Anne's appointment to the diocese and that during her tenure the assets of the diocese increased considerably. Accounts for the diocese were prepared by professional accountants following detailed audits, and claims of ‘fabricated’ meetings are beyond parody. Lastly, trustees can only serve two consecutive four-year terms, meaning new trustees require to be elected at regular intervals.”

OSCR said: “We are continuing to engage with this charity about the matters raised with us.”

Views

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Dyer identifies with the Open Evangelical tradition of Anglicanism.[37]

In December 2014, Dyer signed an open letter to the bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church that was supportive of same-sex marriage: it concluded with a "wish to make clear our continuing commitment to affirm and support all people in our church, and to recognise and rejoice in all marriages, of whatever sexual orientation, as true signs of the love of God in Christ."[38] With the SEC voting to allow same-sex marriages, she conducted her first such marriage in October 2017.[39]

Personal life

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Dyer is married to Roger. Together they had one child, a daughter,[2] who died, aged 30, in 2021.[40]

References

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  1. ^ "Canon 54 process concludes after review by independent Procurator". Scottish Episcopal Church. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "New Warden of Cranmer Hall". Durham University. 2 August 2004. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Anne Catherine Dyer". Crockford's Clerical Directory (online ed.). Church House Publishing. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  4. ^ a b Drysdale, Neil (26 February 2018). "Canon Anne Dyer speaks about becoming Scotland's first female Bishop". The Press and Journal. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  5. ^ "New Warden of Cranmer Hall takes up her post". Durham University. 20 January 2005. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  6. ^ "College post for Rev Mark". Northern Echo. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  7. ^ "Holy Trinity, Haddington". Diocese of Edinburgh. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  8. ^ "Institute Council". The Scottish Episcopal Church. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  9. ^ "First female Bishop in the Scottish Episcopal Church is elected the new Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney – The Scottish Episcopal Church". The Scottish Episcopal Church. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  10. ^ "Church appoints first female bishop". BBC News. 9 November 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  11. ^ Farley, Harry (5 January 2018). "Scottish Episcopal Church clergy rebel after 'divisive' appointment of bishop to conservative diocese". Christian Today. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  12. ^ Farley, Harry (27 November 2017). "Splits emerge among Scottish Anglicans after gay marriage vote". Christian Today. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  13. ^ Davies, Madeleine (5 January 2018). "Aberdeen & Orkney letter questions new Bishop". Church Times. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  14. ^ "Resignations Follow Aberdeen & Orkney Appointment". Scottish Anglican. 25 November 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  15. ^ "Aberdeen & Orkney Bishop Elect prepares for consecration". The Scottish Episcopal Church. 8 January 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  16. ^ Horne, Marc (25 February 2021). "Scotland's first female bishop Anne Dyer made working lives intolerable, say clergy". The Times. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  17. ^ "Investigation Report prepared by Sarah Grey, Pulse HR Ltd on behalf of The Board of Trustees, St Andrew's Cathedral Church, March 2021" (PDF). The Board of Trustees, St Andrew’s Cathedral Church. March 2021.
  18. ^ "Professor Iain Torrance to lead Independent Review". Scottish Episcopal Church. 12 March 2021.
  19. ^ "Aberdeen & Orkney review to move to second stage". Scottish Episcopal Church. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  20. ^ Horne, Marc (3 September 2021). "Anglicans in turmoil after report on 'bullying' calls for Bishop Anne Dyer's removal". The Times. Retrieved 5 September 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Review of the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney, with Appendix held as Record Apart, 1 August 2021" (PDF). Scottish Episcopal Church. 18 September 2021. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 September 2021.
  22. ^ "Bishop Anne Dyer accused of attempting to whitewash report into conduct". The Press and Journal, Aberdeen. 17 November 2021. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021.
  23. ^ "Mediation Steering Group established for Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney". The Scottish Episcopal Church. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  24. ^ Munro, Craig. "Aberdeen and Orkney bishop: Diocese is 'not well' and mediation is 'treatment'". Press and Journal. Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  25. ^ "Scotland's first female bishop suspended amid bullying claims". BBC News. 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  26. ^ "Episcopal Synod decides appeal". The Scottish Episcopal Church. 30 September 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  27. ^ Walker, Donald (8 November 2023). "PPC arrives at decision on Canon 54 complaints". The Scottish Episcopal Church. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  28. ^ Walker, Donald (23 January 2024). "Church appoints new Procurator". The Scottish Episcopal Church. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  29. ^ "Bishop to face church disciplinary tribunal". BBC News. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
  30. ^ "About the Bishop". The Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  31. ^ "The College of Bishops appoints Bishop Dorsey McConnell as new Acting Bishop in Aberdeen and Orkney". Scottish Episcopal Church. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  32. ^ Williams, Hattie. Suspended Scottish Bishop, Anne Dyer, must face disciplinary tribunal Church Times, 21 May 2024.
  33. ^ "Prosecutor Drops Charges Against Scottish Bishop". Living Church. 9 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  34. ^ "'Shock' that bishop bullying claim not being pursued". BBC News. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  35. ^ "Four Scottish bishops urge Dyer to consider her position". Church Times. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  36. ^ Hosie, Louise.Bishop investigated over misleading accounts claim BBC Scotland News, 25 April 2024.
  37. ^ Dyer, Anne (2004). "Almost Evangelical" (PDF). Anvil. 21 (2). Church Mission Society: 121–125. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  38. ^ "Dear Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church". Thurible.net. 18 December 2014. Retrieved 9 May 2017.
  39. ^ Farley, Harry (27 November 2017). "Splits emerge among Scottish Anglicans after gay marriage vote". Christian Today. Retrieved 9 December 2017.
  40. ^ "College offers deep condolences to Bishop Anne". The Scottish Episcopal Church. 16 November 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
Academic offices
Preceded by Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham
2005–2011 		Succeeded by
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