Protection needed from 'aggressive' parishioners - Essex Reverend

The Rev Sara Batts-Neale says members of the church should recognise "human sin mars all aspects of life"

Church of England leaders have been urged to draw up rules that protect vicars from "aggressive" parishioners.

The Rev Sara Batts-Neale, of the Chelmsford Diocese, said Parochial Church Council (PCC) meetings could become "psychologically unsafe" places.

Papers published ahead of the church's General Synod revealed calls for a PCC code of conduct to be legislated.

"Human sin mars all aspects of life and we should not be afraid to recognise its effects," Dr Batts-Neale wrote.

Her message to the Archbishops' Council requested for a disciplinary process to be put in place that would remove bullies from the PCC.

The proposed rules will be debated later this month at the church's General Synod

She said the "imperative to forgiveness" could normalise bad behaviour among members of the clergy "when it is seen to be consequence free".

"Repeatedly poor behaviours sidetracked meetings, waste the time and energy of all participants and detract from the church's ability to share the gospel and nurture disciples," Dr Batts-Neale continued.

'Physically threatening'

In one parish, a PCC member refused to share the keys to a cupboard that stores all the resources for children's work, meaning youngsters missed out, she said.

Her report added: "A PCC meeting should not be a psychologically damaging or physically threatening environment for any participant."

Dr Batts-Neale also pointed to "aggressive" behaviour in meetings, such as "slamming on tables and continually interrupting when others speak".

Church meetings can become a "psychologically damaging" environment, a leading vicar says

The antics continued outside of meetings, she claimed, and added: "[Parishioners have been] mailing repeatedly, and when blocked on email, printing and delivering copies of a message".

The proposal will be debated when the Church of England's General Synod meets in London between 23 to 27 February.

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