Statement about David Fletcher

Since we put out our statement below on 7th February 2025 concerning disclosures about David Fletcher, we and the Diocese of Oxford have had requests for further information about the reports St Ebbe’s received and what action followed them. We have also been asked for an update. In response to these requests, we and the Diocese have issued a joint statement. In addition to the two women referred to in the previous statement, this includes a reference to a third-hand report from a third woman in 2019. It also states that further allegations have subsequently been received.

An update on behalf of St Ebbe’s Church, Oxford, and the Diocese of Oxford

In 2017, following a report of him being inappropriately tactile with a member of the church, David Fletcher was told to avoid physical contact that had any possibility of being considered inappropriate.   

In 2019, David Fletcher’s behaviour was again raised when a report of inappropriate tactility was passed to St Ebbe’s via a third party. This was referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, who confirmed that the appropriate action had been taken in 2017 and advised that the report did not meet the threshold for further action. The person who passed on the third hand report from the unnamed individual, was told to encourage the woman to make direct contact with the safeguarding team but she chose not to. 

In 2021, St Ebbe’s heard indirectly of a couple who had approached David Fletcher to confront him about his behaviour some years previously. The couple were contacted and encouraged to make a report to the Diocese, which they did. David Fletcher was seriously ill at this point and, as he was no longer attending church, no further action was taken. 

Since information was published on the St Ebbe’s website on 6 February 2025 inviting any other disclosures, further allegations against David Fletcher involving adult women have been received by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Support has been offered to these women and is available to anyone who has been affected by these allegations. 

In accordance with safeguarding policies and best practice, confidentiality concerning the details of any disclosures by victims must be respected. We are focusing on the wellbeing of those who have spoken to us, providing support where needed. We thank them for their bravery in coming forward and continue to hold all victims and survivors in our prayers. 

The St Ebbe’s leadership have sought external advice about next steps and are presenting a proposal to the Parochial Church Council (PCC), which includes involvement by an external body.

Once there are any updates from the PCC about next steps, we will make them public.

We remain committed to doing all we can to make St Ebbe’s a safe and healthy community.

Vaughan Roberts, Rector

Niki Ridgway, Parish Safeguarding Officer

Greg Brisk, Churchwarden

Suzanne Wilson-Higgins, Churchwarden 

20th February 2025