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An Anglican Church Disciplinary Board says it cannot understand why criminal proceedings were not taken against a New South Wales priest, they think should be defrocked.
The Newcastle Anglican Diocese Professional Standards Board is recommending Reverend Andrew Duncan be defrocked for alleged sex acts with a 14 year old boy in 1979.
The Board found the alleged abuse continued for seven years, mainly in the Riverina in southern New South Wales.
Reverend Duncan refused to take part in the Board's hearing, despite repeated requests to do so.
In handing down his findings, the Board President, Colin Elliott said the alleged victim's evidence was so compelling and profound that the Board found it difficult to understand why criminal proceedings were not taken.
In addition to Reverend Duncan, the Board is recommending two other priests, and a church worker be stripped of their holy duties in relation to their alleged dealings with the same teenager.
Police referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions but a criminal investigation has been ruled out at this stage.
Meanwhile, Newcastle's Anglican Bishop, Brian Farran has been stopped from acting on a recommendation to defrock Reverend Graeme Sturt, until Supreme Court proceedings are finalised.
Reverend Sturt contested the Professional Standards Board's recommendation that he be deposed for watching alleged sex acts against the same teenager in a motel room at Narrandera in southern New South Wales.
Reverend Sturt denies the misconduct allegations and says he has no memory of even being at the Riverina conference where the alleged incident is said to have occurred.
His lawyer argued that the Board failed to observe the requirements of procedural fairness when recommending the sanction.
More here-
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/12/17/3096365.htm?site=newcastle
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