The Very Rev Derek Norman Hole , who still retains the position of Honorary Priest at St James the Greater, Leicester, will he resign as priest?

The Very Rev Derek Norman Hole , who still retains the position of Honorary Priest at St James the Greater, Leicester, will he resign as priest?

Senior clergymen should apologise

By Leicester Mercury  |  Posted: September 17, 2014

 Comments (3)

Last week, the Leicester Mercury reported the trial of John Bellamy at Worcester Crown Court, a former choirmaster at St James the Greater Church, in Leicester, which reached a conclusion that he was guilty of abusing five boys between the ages of nine and 15 while under his care.

He was jailed for two years.

At the trial there was mention of the Rev Derek Hole, the priest in charge at St James the Greater, who later became a Chaplain to the Queen and Provost at the cathedral, and the Rt Rev Ronald Williams, who was the Bishop of Leicester at the time.

What emerged was that both the Rev Hole and Bishop Williams were told of the allegations of abuse, and a decision was taken to ask Bellamy to resign or face the sack.

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In my opinion, had this matter been brought to the attention of the police at the time of the offences, it may have brought closure for those who clearly for many years have been so traumatised – which was evident in court.

I hope that shortly, the Rev Derek Hole, who still retains the position of Honorary Priest at St James the Greater, will offer his resignation as priest and make an apology through the local media.

Likewise, since Bishop Ronald Williams is no longer alive, perhaps the present Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, could sincerely apologise on behalf of the diocese in this matter and put forward an offer of a generous settlement to the victims.

R J Bingham, New Mission for Social Responsibility.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Senior-clergymen-apologise/story-22935433-detail/story.html#ixzz3Dwr8gzy7 
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