The Provincial Standing Committee has today (11 November) released the following statement: “Recent developments in the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney have been a matter of on-going concern for the Provincial Standing Committee.

“As announced previously, the Canon 54 process concluded when the independent Procurator decided not to pursue charges against Bishop Anne Dyer, and his application to bring the proceedings to an end was granted by the Clergy Discipline Tribunal. This ended the suspension of Bishop Dyer, allowing her to return to her role.

“The conclusion of the canonical process has given rise to a range of responses across the Province, which have demonstrated strong viewpoints from different perspectives. Complaints about the outcome have been reported in detail in the media, and Standing Committee is aware of the damage that such coverage can cause to the Church’s reputation.

“Standing Committee did not intervene in the Canon 54 process and does not have the power to intervene in the current areas of conflict in the Diocese; it cannot change the outcome of an independent legal process which is now closed, and it has no powers in relation to the election or appointment of bishops. However, its members are committed to helping find a way forward for the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney and the wider Church. Several meetings of the committee have been held since the Canon 54 process came to an end, and steps have been taken to draw on relevant expertise to help identify ways of offering appropriate Provincial support in the Diocese, if asked to do so.

“It is recognised that finding resolution to current conflicts will take time and significant effort, but it is hoped that all parties can work together in the best interests of the Diocese and the Church.”