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Letters sent to the Crown Prosecution Service expressing support for Bishop Peter Ball, who has since been jailed for Sexual Assaults against teenagers and young men.
Letters sent to the Crown Prosecution Service expressing support for Bishop Peter Ball, who has since been jailed for Sexual Assaults against teenagers and young men.
Letters sent to the Crown Prosecution Service expressing support for Bishop Peter Ball, who has since been jailed for Sexual Assaults against teenagers and young men.
1os,
Lambeth Palace London SEI 7JU
(Sentient sat
2 March 1995,
Dew Dees
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ooepe that T have a
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Gate
Dizector of Public Prosecutions
‘E52 Quoen ane"
bers ante oe‘Tue Rr. HON. Tak Restos, MP.
al
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON Sta OAA,
Az from Mount Marry House, of h + West Sussex, 817 sa¥
and Fepruscy 1993
re, Barbara Mille, 9.00.
Director of Public Prosecutions,
4/12 Queen Anne's Gate,
of 0)
Twill preface this etter by saying that 1 have never
weiteen previously to the D.P.P. in suppor’ ef or in
Zeangone shone papers were shout to sous before yous tds oo
In the cose of Peter, the Bishop of Gloucester, only secaube thie
in aman whom ay vife and I come to respect profoundly during the
Years he vas our suffragan Bishop of Levee, he ta a man of
Innenee kindness, charity and humour, dedicated to serving God in
the conmunity. "I imagine that it was just for this reason ehat
Ae and hie tein brother founded their own Orders to ‘help bring
people closer toa practical, religious Live:
Peter, voaring Ms grey monk's robe and removed trom
11 the noreal “episcopal trappings, ‘might well be thought
fesentrie Sy aoehera, Tam told, ‘Tewented te Sppoeition
Of outstanding Christian sincerity and goodne!
You will, Tam sure, nave received any letters from
those whom he Relped, “practically and daily; in our Sueser
iit never fecget he leederahip and
at ve ail needed.
can only be expected for someone who hat dedicated his thole
aduie Iie to nelping and providing christian guiance, and. who
had Just received the accolade of being made a biehop,hin suffer for the Pet
further, shane) of oriainel” action seews far
punishaent:
do hope you wilt, not sind ay writing to you
personally, and that you will take these thoughts = vhich will be
Ritrorea oy hundreds ia Suenex = into consideration when reachingLambeth Palace London SE1 7JU
Private and Confidential
5 Peoruary 1993,
‘The RE Rowd Peter Rall.
E
#
a
Bi
i af
il
ry
personal -eendict a
youngsters should behave
com
Iighest possible standards of
clergy entrusted with
‘ompaseion and respect’
yal
‘with priority,
Moreowte, 18 is ineimbent wn Dishepeto eet a
ead in euch matters.Tam sending a copy of wis to IM) ene siencp's sonscstor.
toy 1 adda vord to sclovladg, a9 1 ave heard frm several
quarters, the ‘scrupulous falzecs and courtesy with which your
Sttlcers nave been condicting thelr enquiries into this cale,
Yours sincerely
‘ Cori Coutnar
a
(he chief constable of Gloucester
Police BeadyuareersRoyal Courts of Jue
Serand
Tendon W2A 211
Jang
Dewe Imupedar Murdedy
Usead Dern Cary EI
fei Woe Wr
Che Ort . Tanleye
Sei fo Undeoindig Wer or
WAC —laWaghnyFrom: The Rt, Hon, Lord Justice Lloyd
2 February 1993
‘The Chief Constabl
Police Headquarters,
Holland House,
Lansdown Road,
Cheltenhan,
tos.
Yor five years the Bishop of Gloucester was our nearest neighbour
in Sussex, and ay wife and T have known him such longer. Tam
not going’ to write about the case, since T know nothing aboot
What he may have done, and it would in any event be. quite
improper for me to seen to be influencing the decteion which mus
rest with the Director of Public Prosecutions, and’ with her
alone.
But at the same tine I feel I must cass on what I know about
Poter ball hinself. "He is, quite simply, the most gentle upright
and. saintly man 1 have cvor-nel. I’ renenber some yeare 296
hearing him preach about St. Francis, when he quoted the saying
that Se, Francis had set the world
in hs tears, It occurred to all of
latter day St. Francis, then Pe
And now he finds hinself in this appalling situation. I have
‘length on the telephone. Because of his
‘well as his position, he has obviously suffered for
nore already than any of'us can imagine, and far sore than ® nore
Srdinary husan being would have suffersd. Ho told ne that 4f 1¢
‘goes on such longer, he feels he may well go off hia head. t can
1d and believe this.” I¢ is contixned by what his brother
‘Geteriorated, especially in
I find dt ditficult to accept that such an avful fate could have
befallen so good aman. Whatever deciaion is taken, I do not soe
how he will ever recover:
express these views as my ow; but I believe. then to be very
wtdely shared’ snong ell the ‘people that Ietew hin and Loved Rix
in Sussex.FROM THE HEAD MASTER LANCING COLLEGE SUSSEX
BNISORW
Ie Shorter Se cn asa
Fis Stowham peru a
20th January 1993,
Dear Detective Inspector Murdock,
1 an writing to you in connection with the charge that understand has
been nade. against the Bishop of Gloucester, and I should like to explain to,
‘you the basis of ay kaowledge of the Bishop and Ms deal ings With young
eople over the past 25 years.
1 was Head Master of Rughy School between 1967 and 1981, end then becene
Head Master of Lancing Gotlege._ Father Peter, as he then vas, cine <9 preach
at Rupby School In the late 1960's, and at ay’ invitation returned to the
School at regular intervals thereafter, to preach end to give spiritual counsel
‘to pupils and menbers of the start. Several members of the School also become
{involved tn hs work setting up the premises of the Comunity of the Glorious
Ascension at Matchett in Somerset. hy wife and I'stayed at the sonastery on
The spinttual influence of Father Peter asin my view of untue valve
12,nanypipits, and helped several of then to develop from fairy comsompce
pail ink People ison, epratity nd strony Christin com ert
ese puplls regular Chaplain and aysel? about te he
received fron Father Peter, ans at to time gid we or any of the Houseastery
have the slightest. cause for ansiety abovt the relationships milchdeveloved
Detween Fethr Peter and thoaselves”
By the tine I moved to Lancing in 1981, Father Peter had becone Btshop
‘of Lewes, and had set up the training schent for school-leavers, “cive & Year
to Godt,” Subsequently he also founded the Coummnity of Little frothers at
Uitlington, providing’ an introtuction to a dedlested Christian Iife for young
Beople. Several ex-tancing puplis becane Involved in these scheres, and here
fgain ane vas struck by thelr personal and spiritual’ developnent, and the
‘great benefit they received fron the Bishop's exenple and teachige
‘There can be no doubt that within the Church of England the Bishop of
Gloucester is unique in hs capacity to communicate the Christian falsn and
{Inspire young people in their quest for 4 closer relationship with God. He
Igvable to achleve this because of his ovn exceptional spirituality and the
Figorous self-discipline he inposes on hinself. His life style, begtming
‘itn prayer in the small hours of each morning, must be almost. tmparalleled,
and 1S clearly a foundation of his spiritual Tite.
From conversations with hin 1 know that the Bishop is acutely distressed
by sone aspects of late 20th Century culture, Including Its accent on
initerial ism and Sexual permissiveness which sake it £0 mich harder for people
to realise their spiritual vocation. in this context I understand that he Mas
Used acts of penttence and contrition that are an expression of ‘that
concern. To the extent that young people have been involved in such penitential
‘exercises, T can soe that these may nave: been open to nisunderstanding end mis
Fepresentition, especially by any vho have not grasped the “absolute” nature of
the Bishop's religious coneltnent.” The Bishop aay have failed to Judoe Ui
Monta.Keonta, BEth January 1999
appropriateness of such exercises for some of the young people whom he is so
Hou fo help. But the one thing ot heh, fran ny fon knowledge of Ry
‘an absolutely certain ts that Mis Intention tovards all people, foun oF
old, 1s wholly that of Christian corcern and compassion, and: thet ¥o hore
any person would be completely abhorrent and alien to his nature, Re ney
be’gulity of an innocence that fails to anticipate how his tecching and
‘exanple might be construed ~ the innocence that Is also one of Rig most velued
attributes. But there cannot be any doubt. anong those who knor the Bishop
vel] of his integrity, compassion and respect for 1] hunan beings, end
Particularly for the young people who have gone to hin over sovnany years for
help and'tesching, and who have Benefited s0 auch from his gufdence.-
If I can be of any further assistance in connection with this matter,
please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
Yours sincerely,
Somes Veet hms
Detective Inspector Wayne Murdock
Central Police Station,
Bearland,
Gloucester.acer -
i
25 JAN 1398)
— 1498)
Gloucestershire Constabulary
Police Headquarters
Holland House.
Lansdown Road.
Cheltenham
Glos Guat 6oH Bist January 1999,
Dear Bie,
‘The Rt Revd Peter Ball, Bishop of Gloucester
We are aware that the Bishop is at present under suspicion concerning
the alleged Indecent assault of a minor,
‘The Bishop has made a number of visite to this School over a period
of more than ten years to preach and to give spinitual and pastoral pele
fnce to boys and girls. In that time we and many others here have come to
now him well
Cranleigh is a School of approximately’ 550 pupils aged 12 to 18 years,
ost of whom board. ‘It is our opinion that the Bishop's work and inflcence
here have been wholly trustworthy. To put it directly, if bluntly, he has
obviously spoken to many boys privately’ and confidentially yet they have
ever intimated later that anything was in any way untovard. Our boys arp
‘ot notably reticent on these matters, and our work suggests that they *
would be quick to sense - and to report to others ~ the possibilility of an
Unhealthy presence. On the contrary, the Bishop is popular among then end
areatly respected for his humanity and his obvious strength of character:
We think that any investigations would usefully consider the Bishop
work in schools, which is very highly regarded by both teaching staff and
opie
The Headmaster, who knows the Bishop equally wel, be
letter and asks us to'say that it has his fullest endorsement.
seen this
Yours faithfully,
QNetMenm
Revd A.J KEEP, BA STH Revd NAT. MENON,
Senior Chaplain & MA, Diptheol
Head of Theology Chaplain & Housenastera
ga,
Te de the Boe Bolt
Ds. berstrathitgy] Gabry beontented Rive
Beer det rap
Sine bow hat ape sa took » Law tata fore
deat Mipeline pred e tient
Mare telly fhe bie tok ba Rast bog by
hae owas Retard bat fe sa
Ges 7 til frente Ee Date
Pe mo 2 a
Nope ee
Leyte geet raptor forte Bston, Hare han bon
ata ged mon tell Prated Eke lant cb bopgte
A heh at ea sas nel seg,
Wey bad. tne bli ee Aeser :
If Len bre fot bad, Jen tatonde ite
peste
batsinenng i
“Ee Ceaglentute bret Br,
tlw Hearymaterconfidentiad BIsHOP'S HOUSE
NORWICH
NR3 188
(0603) 629001
24 January 1999
forgive a letter from a complete stranger, but X have
ly. during ars with two Clot
sf Norfol, nd an x now
breed, contrary to popular nytha, is, 1ike Bishops,
approachable!
I can imagine vhat a difficult and sensitive task you have
regarding the allegations made against the Bishop of Gloucester.
‘eo those difficulties, but
ply to say souething very briefly about this man, whom T know
a
His ministry, particularly to the young, has been quite
exceptional. Hie gifts with the young a¥e known and deeply
Sdnired throughout the land, and’ that reputation is now
International. Experienced headnastere, fellow ishope and clergy
often consult Bishop Peter about caring for the young, and he
Binse1f on mimerous occasione has cared personally for those with
problene when asked to do so. He has managed to communicate with
Che young so effect nt nunbers of Young people whose
fearing professions.
Suffice to say that Bishop Peter is known
outstanding abiisty and sensitivity, whose ministry has Deen a
‘rest blessing to hundreds of young people, and who ie held in
Greut affection and adniration by all who know hin well.
Guus Succurty,
hee Neate
(Rt Rev P.J.Nott
Bishop of Norwich)
‘Te chief constable,
Gloucestershire Constabulary,
Holland House,
Lansdown Road,
Cheltenham,
Gloucestershire,
cust ean.Tin Rathbone, M.
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SW1A OAA,
26th Janvary 1993
nent for the Leves constituency
knewn Bishop Peter during hie whole tine
Having cone to know hin well as Bishop, as friend and as door
of good works, I find it literally inconeeivable thet he
would ever becone involved with alyone in the Wey the
Rewspapors have described oF insinuated
In all his works, and all his Life, he has shown christian
husanity, care for those in nood of a helping hand oF a
ping word and, especially, generous care of #0 many young
men needing a good and supportive environment in unich to
Feadjust their 1iv
ina Positive way.
In ail of this, he has drawn upon a steadfast faith and has /
4 an ability to communicate that faith and share it with
others, often with the help of humour, most effectively”
His Life in the church and in the Community is a shining
sample of applied and practical goodness of a very special,
if'not unique quality.
E Sincerely hope that these facts will be borne in mind when
sessing the validity of criticism from any quarter,
Det. Inspector Murdoch
Centrai Police Station
Vearland
‘oLovucester
‘Slouces‘7, HIGH CROFT MINCHINHAMPTON GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL6 98)
2h January, 1998
Dear Chit Inspector Murdoch,
Reference : The Right Reverend the Bishop of Giovester, Petr Ball
gather fom some of the young Chuisina in Sussex that you have been taking
statements from them about the Bishop andT hope tat it isin order forme o wie 19
you as someone who has known him forthe past thy two year and seen his
involvement with young people troughout tat ime,
1 was appointed asa young man to be Headmaster of Elleamere College,
‘Shropshire in 1961 and then tobe Headmaserof Lancing in 1969 before going to be
Head Master of Harrow in 1981, I reiret in 1991 and am now Chaman “of he
England Sports Couneil I have been a magistrate in four counties since the early
1 first met Peter Ball when he care to preach at Eesmere inthe sutumn of.
1961 At the time he was seting up the Community for the Clorous Ascension in
Stroud
His influence forthe good withthe young was remarkable and I asked the
Bishop of Shrewsbury if he coud be electd « Governor. This duly happened and he
has governed several school since at wel a becoming Chaplain tothe Headmaster?
Conference fora period of tie.
(On several occasions in all the thee schools that I ed was faced ith
having 10 be
sharing in the monastic lie so that he coud belp them, On each oocason the boy
Fetured to school and resumed normal school fe with sucess. Peter’ influence was
remarkable
He alo took Lenten courses; something be has done in many schools and
pupils Bocked to him for confidential help and advice
[At Harrow we hosted agroup ofthe young Chvstins involved inthe
Bishop's scheme in Sussex. They worshipped with us and by their example spread the
(Christan message
‘There has never been an occasion when any child of parents suggested
that they were concerned about his relations wih the young, And tha, sadly, canot
be sid about all the adults. for whom I vas responsible and over thy years of
Feadsip have had to report several to the DES, andor the Police,Frally, 1 would wish to add tat there is «deep spiritual dimension to the
Bishop his cum disciplined life of shor sighs with long periods of private meitation
‘aye siven him in my eyes and the ees of many. an almost saint ike quality He ithe
‘nly man that I hve ever met inthe established church who challenges one ata very
deep level Hei 0 often physically exhausted by puting all other people before hs
cown wellbeing, He has surrounded himself ll Ki kfe with the young. who are
damaged tnd ned help. He as changed the ves of many forthe good.
‘Of course I would be prepared todo anything to see that the right action
is taken and that justice is seen to: be done for all who are concered in ths
inventigation
‘Youre sincerely,
lan Beer.
IDS Bee, CBE.THE WARDEN RADLEY COLLEGE,
RICHARD MORGAN, M.A, ABINGDON
: oxFoRDSHIRE
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Suny 24 199%,
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