The Church of England is confronting another major safeguarding crisis after two individuals with close ties to its community were charged with serious child abuse image offences.
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the diocese, Reverend Oliver Justice, a 41-year-old priest from Bollington, Cheshire, stands accused of making indecent images of a child. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between December 2023 and July 2024.
In a separate but equally alarming development in Sheffield, 64-year-old Michael Lea, a registered parish volunteer who worked with children, was charged with possessing indecent images. Both men have been released on bail and are awaiting court proceedings.
Institutional Response Under Scrutiny
A spokesperson for the Chester Diocese confirmed Reverend Justice's suspension, stating, "We can confirm that Rev Oliver Justice, Assistant Curate in the Bollington Team Ministry, has been suspended from ministry since July. He is unable to undertake any ministerial work whilst the police investigation continues."
The Church emphasised its cooperation with authorities, adding that its own safeguarding team was providing support. However, these incidents have ignited fresh debate about the effectiveness of the Church's vetting procedures and ongoing monitoring of those in positions of trust.
A Pattern of Concern
These latest charges emerge against a backdrop of longstanding criticism directed at the Church of England's handling of child protection. Survivor advocacy groups have repeatedly called for more robust and transparent safeguarding measures across all dioceses.
The fact that one of the accused was an ordained priest and the other an approved volunteer working with young people is likely to intensify scrutiny on the institution's recruitment and safeguarding policies.
Both cases are now in the hands of the Crown Prosecution Service, with court dates expected to be set in the coming weeks. The Church has stated it will follow the legal outcomes closely before initiating any internal disciplinary proceedings.
