Anglican Vicar accused of spitting at parishioner
Pastor Dale Morgan
Anglican Vicar accused of spitting at parishioner*
By Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent
Last Updated: 2:02am BST 05/09/2007
A modernising vicar who fell out with Anglican worshippers over reforms
at his 14th century church has been accused in an ecclesiastical
tribunal of spitting at a parishioner and acting like a "medieval pope".
In a rare case that could cost the Church more than half a million
pounds, the Rev Tom Ambrose was facing allegations yesterday that his
"authoritarian and dictatorial" style caused a pastoral breakdown in his
parish in Trumpington, Cambs.
The tribunal heard that Mr Ambrose, 60, was at loggerheads with members
of his parochial church council soon after arriving at St Mary and St
Michael eight years ago. Disputes broke out over a range of issues, from
his decision to remove pews to create a space where worshippers could
meet for a chat and coffee after services to the timing of the harvest
supper.
Supporters believe that he is the victim of an intransigent "old guard"
determined to oust him.
But the five-strong panel heard that parishioners were upset by his
"arrogant" attitude and the "vitriolic and unpleasant" tone of his
emails and letters.
Marilyn Orson, a former church warden, said that Mr Ambrose had
intimidated her after he discovered that she and three other
parishioners had sent a letter to senior clergy about his behaviour. She
said that a copy of the letter had been posted to him but he said he had
never received it.
"He called me a liar and spat at me as he left my house," she said.
The tribunal, sitting in St Mary le Bow church near St Paul's cathedral
in London, has judicial powers and can recommend the removal of the
vicar. It is the first to hear a case of pastoral breakdown since 1993.
The hearing is due to run for the rest of the week.