Tuesday 22 November 2022 10:08 PM Bishop accused of school sex abuse cover up defrocked over misconduct with two ... trends now
A bishop accused of helping cover up abuse at a scandal-hit music school has been banned from the Church of England for life after admitting sexual misconduct.
The claims against Peter Hullah, which relate to incidents with women in 1985 and 1999, were considered serious enough for the CoE to refer them to police.
The thrice-married 73-year-old has not been charged with any criminal offences, but following an internal disciplinary process a decision was taken in the summer by the Archbishop of Canterbury to prohibit him from all ministry.
His 'defrocking' means he will never again be able to conduct services or officiate at weddings or funerals.
Banned: Peter Hullah (pictured), 73, has been banned from the Church of England for life after admitting sexual misconduct
The latest revelations about Mr Hullah follow sharp criticism of his time as headmaster of Chetham's School of Music (pictured) in Manchester
The sanction is seen as the most serious that can be imposed under the Clergy Discipline Measure, the CoE's system for dealing with allegations of misconduct. It is imposed only where the offence is considered to be 'grave'.
Ordained as a priest at the age of 25, Mr Hullah was made Bishop of Ramsbury in the diocese of Salisbury in 1999, holding the post until 2005.
Last night a CofE spokesman issued an 'unreserved apology' to his victims, while acknowledging their 'courage' for coming forward.
'The Church expects the highest standards from those in leadership and there can be no excuses when this does not happen,' she said.
It is understood that the two women were known to Mr Hullah and were adults.
Had he not agreed to accept the life ban in August, then the matter would have gone to a CoE tribunal, where evidence from the complainants would have been heard and the decision made public.
Instead, the existence of the investigation into Mr Hullah emerged this week only after inquiries by the Mail.
A spokesman for Mr Hullah said: 'These allegations have not been brought before any form of tribunal. They are historic matters which have
