Rule 73 Priests and deacons: decision

(1)

The deposition of a priest or deacon from Holy Orders is given effect by instrument in writing executed under the hand and seal of the responsible bishop.

(2)

A copy of the instrument sealed by the responsible bishop must be served personally on the priest or deacon; and, in making the arrangements for personal service of the instrument, the responsible bishop must have due regard to the Code of Practice.

(3)

The responsible bishop must give a copy of the instrument to—

(a)

the diocesan registry of the diocese of the responsible bishop, and

(b)

any other person whom the responsible bishop considers appropriate.

(4)

If the responsible bishop decides not to depose a priest or deacon from Holy Orders, the responsible bishop—

(a)

must make a written record of the decision and the reasons for it, and

(b)

must place that record on the priest or deacon’s clergy file.

(5)

A copy of the written record must be served personally on the priest or deacon; and, in making the arrangements for personal service of the copy record, the responsible bishop must have due regard to the Code of Practice.

(6)

The responsible bishop must provide a copy of the written record to—

(a)

the complainant,

(b)

the Investigation and Tribunals Team, and

(c)

if a relevant safeguarding professional is a party to the complaint on which the decision referred to in section 41 (1) of the CCM was made, that party.

(7)

Paragraphs (5) and (6) of rule 71 apply in relation to the service of a copy of an instrument or report under paragraph (2) or (5) of this rule as they apply in relation to the service of a notice under paragraph (4) of that rule.

(8)

In paragraph (4)(b), “clergy file” has the meaning given in rule 21 (3).