Oxford University Priest Forced to Resign After Student's Grooming Allegations
A priest serving at the University of Oxford has been compelled to resign following serious allegations of grooming and professional misconduct made by a student. Father Damian Howard, who held the position of Senior Chaplain at the Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy (OUCC), departed from his role after a vulnerable student came forward with detailed accusations of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Substantiated Claims and Immediate Action
Following a thorough investigation conducted by the Jesuits in Britain, the allegations presented by the student were found to be substantiated. As a direct result, Father Howard was formally asked to resign from his chaplaincy position. The OUCC confirmed this development in an official statement, revealing that the priest stepped down on grounds of professional misconduct.
The student's complaint, which has been seen by Oxford publication Cherwell, outlines a disturbing pattern of behaviour alleged to have occurred between late 2024 and 2025. According to the account, Father Howard initiated sexual contact while the student was under the influence of alcohol, encouraged him to sleep in his bed, and pressured him to remove clothing.
Detailed Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct
The student's testimony provides specific details about the alleged misconduct:
- Father Howard reportedly ended evenings in his office with intense, intimate hugs
- The priest is said to have initiated kisses with the student
- He allegedly encouraged the student to sleep in his bed and remove layers of clothing
- The student claims Howard groped his chest on multiple occasions
- The priest reportedly told the student he loved him
These incidents are said to have occurred while the student was experiencing significant mental health difficulties, making him particularly vulnerable. The student emphasised in his complaint: I have never been in love with him [Howard] nor have I ever initiated intimate contact with him.
Attempts at Secrecy and Control
According to the allegations, Father Howard instructed the student not to disclose their interactions, warning that exposure would ruin him. The student described how the priest became jealous when he attempted to spend time on commitments outside the chaplaincy, evolving into what he characterised as an oppressive force in his personal life.
The student poignantly stated: He witnessed the implosion of my faith, my life, and my emotional state; rather than offering the kind of disinterested support a Chaplain would, he used me as a crutch for his loneliness.
Investigation and Consequences
Father Howard was instructed to resign in August following the investigation, though this development was not publicly announced by either the OUCC or Jesuits in Britain at the time. In addition to stepping down from his chaplaincy role, Howard has had his Honorary Fellowship at Campion Hall revoked. Campion Hall is one of Oxford University's Permanent Private Halls, though Howard's fellowship did not involve any teaching or pastoral responsibilities.
A spokesperson for Jesuits in Britain stated: We take every complaint extremely seriously and respond with care and diligence. When this complaint was received, the safeguarding team of Jesuits in Britain carried out an investigation. Based on their conclusions, immediate action was taken.
Ongoing Review and Historical Context
While Jesuit authorities informed the student in October that they had not found concrete evidence of grooming, an independent review into the handling of the complaint is now underway by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA). The Jesuits emphasised their commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the process.
This incident occurs against a troubling historical backdrop. Before his appointment at Oxford, Father Howard served as Provincial Superior of Jesuits in Britain for six years. During that tenure, he personally apologised to a victim of Peter Orr, a Jesuit priest alleged to have sexually abused boys between the 1960s and 2000s.
The University of Oxford has declined to comment on the matter, noting that Father Howard was not a university employee. Both the OUCC and Father Howard have been approached for further comment regarding these serious allegations and their consequences.
