Scotland’s first female bishop is getting media attention again – and this time it’s not about her gender. It’s about claims she’s a bully.
At a Glance:
- Bullying complaints against Bishop Anne Dyer, the first female bishop of the Scottish Episcopal Church, have been dropped following concerns about the potential impact of a tribunal on witnesses and the diocese.
- Witnesses expressed anxiety about testifying, contributing to the decision not to pursue the case further.
- Bishop Dyer, who has consistently denied the allegations, is now free to resume her duties as Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney after her suspension was lifted.
Bullying complaints against Bishop Anne Dyer, who made history as the first female bishop of the Scottish Episcopal Church in 2018, have been dropped. Bishop Dyer was facing a disciplinary tribunal after three formal complaints were lodged against her, accusing her of “behaviour or conduct unbecoming of a member of the clergy” and actions that could bring the church “into disrepute.”
The allegations, which resulted in Bishop Dyer’s suspension in 2022, sparked significant controversy. However, after a review, the church’s independent procurator concluded that while there was enough evidence to proceed with a tribunal, it was not in the public interest to do so. The procurator expressed concerns that a public trial could “make an already difficult situation worse,” particularly given the anxiety expressed by several witnesses about the prospect of giving evidence and being cross-examined in a public forum.
Bishop Dyer had consistently denied the allegations and maintained that she herself had faced significant bullying and harassment since she took up the position of Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney in 2018. In response to the dropped tribunal, Bishop Dyer expressed relief, saying she was pleased with the decision after what she described as a “long and trying time for everyone involved.” She also said that she was looking forward to resuming her full duties and serving her diocese once again.
The decision to drop the case has sparked mixed reactions within the church community. While some have welcomed the resolution, others remain disappointed. Bishop Mark Strange, primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, acknowledged the divisive nature of the case, stating, “This has been a long and difficult process for everyone involved, and I recognise that the outcome will be welcomed by some but will disappoint others.”
Looking forward, the church leadership has called for reconciliation and healing, with the aim of moving past this challenging period. As Bishop Dyer prepares to return to her duties, it remains to be seen how the diocese will move forward, but the calls for unity will be crucial in rebuilding trust within the church.
