Anglican traditionalist leader files complaint with police following rape investigation
November 29, 2011
Archbishop John Hepworth, the onetime Catholic priest who is now primate of the Traditional Anglican Communion, has asked police to investigate whether Msgr. Ian Dempsey, former chief chaplain of the Australian Royal Navy, sexually assaulted him decades ago. Dempsey, who has also served as vicar general of the Archdiocese of Adelaide, was exonerated by an archdiocesan investigation.
“I am formally requesting the police to examine the matter,” said Hepworth. “It was never my intention to go beyond the processes of the Church. I very much regret that I'm having to do that.”
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Further information:
- Archbishop takes abuse allegations to police (702 ABC Sydney)
- Archbishop John Hepworth takes Catholic Church sex abuse claim to police (AAP)
- Archdiocese finds ‘no substance’ to rape allegation; Anglican traditionalist denounces inquiry (CWN, 11/28)
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