Anglican Priest Expelled

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31585, 24 January 1968, Page 13

Anglican Priest Expelled

fA'.Z Press Assn.—CopgrtghtJ MELBOURNE,Jan. 23. The Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Rev. Frank Woods, today told the Rev. Neil Reheiri Glover, aged 46, that he had been found guilty on a “scandal” charge and was expelled from office.

The Archbishop was pronouncing judgment after a seven-man tribunal heard evidence on two counts after his second marriage last year when his first wife was still alive. The effect of the expulsion means that Mr Glover loses foie; vicarage of Christ Church, Victoria. He has been under suspension since he was charged about two months ago He remains a priest, not being defrocked, but loses his

licence to perform priestly duties. The Archbishop’s chaplain, the Rev. J. Grant, said: “If he wished to seek an appointment outside this diocese hej would have to apply to the appropriate bishop before gaining entitlement to perform priestly duties.” Dr Woods announced the tribunal’s finding to Mr Glover and his legal advisers.

Mr Glover’s wife stood out in the corridor holding her 14-year-old stepdaughter’s hand. Mr Glover was found not guilty on a charge of a breach of discipline. This charge referred to his marriage to Miss Munns without Church sanction.

In his pronouncement, Dr Woods said: “The tribunal has by a majority found you guilty and has recommended the following sentence, namely that you be expelled from office and be deprived of the rights and emoluments appertaining to your office.” Mr Grant said Mr Glover

would be allowed three months to move out of the Newport vicarage and three months stipend. He said Mr Glover had the (right of appeal to another tribunal but had not yet indicated his next action.

Mr Glover, his wife Marion, and daughter Rosandrea, aged the announcement when they came downstairs from Chapter House. Mr Glover said: “What will I do now? I suppose I’ll have to look for a job. “Naturally I will prefer one as a priest with the Church. “I don’t know what my chances would be of gaining acceptance with another diocese of my Church. I would have to ask other bishops. “I will seek an appointment in another State—and if this fails, I am prepared to go outside Australia to continue preaching.”

Mr Glover added: “But I hope I don't have to go as far as leaving Australia.” He said he had not yet considered an appeaL