The hearing of a complaint brought by Rev John Hemphill against the Bishop of Down and Domore, Rt Rev H Miller will be heard this week according to a Belfast press report.
It stated that four days have been set aside for the hearing by the Industrial Tribunal at the Gasworks site in South Belfast.
Following an account of difficulties in pastoral/parish administrative situations, the press report continued stating that the Bishop asked the rector who has served in the parish of Ballyhalbert for over 8 years to refrain from exercising his ministry. The rector was then a year off 65 and is seeking redress on age discrimination grounds.
That the formal complaint is actually being considered is important regardless of the situation from which it has arisen. It is in line with changing policy in the UK as a result of number of court cases over recent years finding that clergy are not just office-holders, but that the churches’ governing bodies have a responsibility towards them similar to any employer towards employees.