# The Clergy Discipline Rules 2005, Rule 4: Institution of proceedings against priests or deacons

Extent: E

(1) No disciplinary proceedings under section 10(1)(a) of the Measure may be instituted against priests or deacons except by way of a written allegation of misconduct made in form 1a in the Schedule ...
(2) An allegation of misconduct in writing made under section 10(1)(a) of the Measure shall—
(a) state—
(i) the bishop to whom the allegation is being made,
(ii) the full name and contact address, including postcode, of the complainant and, if the complainant has one, an email address,
(iii) the name and position held of the priest or deacon about whom the allegation is made,
(iv) why the complainant claims to have a proper interest or is otherwise entitled to make the allegation,
(v) in summary form the nature and details of the acts or omissions alleged to be misconduct under section 8 of the Measure,
(vi) the date or dates of the alleged misconduct,
(vii) the evidence in support that the complainant relies upon, which shall be in writing signed and dated by the maker of the statement in each case.
(aa) be accompanied by a statement of the relevant events in chronological sequence,
(b) where the complainant has been nominated by a Parochial Church Council, have attached to it a certified copy of the resolution passed by the Parochial Church Council in accordance with section 10(1)(a)(i) of the Measure,
(c) contain a declaration that the complainant believes the facts of the allegation to be true, and
(d) be signed and dated by the complainant, and be sent or delivered to the bishop.
(3) The complainant may in the written allegation of misconduct request that the complainant’s contact details should not be disclosed to the respondent and shall give reasons for any such request.
(4) Where a request is made under paragraph (3), the complainant’s contact details shall not be disclosed to the respondent and shall be deleted from copies of any documents to be served on the respondent unless the registrar otherwise directs.
(5) Where the registrar makes a direction under paragraph (4)—
(a) the registrar shall forthwith in writing notify the complainant of the reasons for making the direction, and
(b) the allegation of misconduct shall lapse unless within 14 days the complainant informs the registrar that the complainant wishes the allegation to proceed notwithstanding the direction made by the registrar under paragraph (4).

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/2022/rule/4 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/clergy-discipline-rules-2005/rule-4
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.