In a surprising turn of events, the Church of England has expelled Rev. Geoffrey Baulcomb, a 78-year-old former vicar, after a police raid uncovered his involvement with illegal drugs.
Baulcomb, who had retired from St Mary the Virgin Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex, years ago, was still an ordained priest when the incident occurred.
Drugs Found During Police Raid
Last December, authorities raided Baulcomb’s £250,000 cottage and discovered a stash of crystal meth and ketamine.
The vicar admitted to having used drugs intermittently for two decades, including heroin.
He accepted a police caution for possessing these substances.
Church Tribunal’s Rejection
Baulcomb claimed that his drug use helped him connect better with his parishioners, a justification the Church of England’s disciplinary tribunal firmly rejected.
The tribunal described his reasoning as “utterly misconceived,” emphasizing that his argument demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of his responsibilities as a priest.
They criticized his belief that drug experimentation or providing a venue for drug use could aid his ministry.
Baulcomb’s Admission and Plea for Mercy
In his statement to the church, Baulcomb acknowledged that he was wrong to possess the drugs and expressed his awareness of the high standards expected of him as a priest.
He also revealed that he had previously injected heroin in the presence of a drug dealer.
Despite his confession and plea for mercy, the Church has issued a permanent ban on him holding any future positions within it.
Parishioners’ Reactions
Some parishioners have expressed support for Baulcomb, describing him as a compelling preacher and noting that he appeared to need help.
This situation follows a similar scandal involving former Co-op Bank boss Paul Flowers, who also faced legal issues related to drug use and fraud.
What’s next for Baulcomb and the Church remains to be seen, but the case highlights significant challenges within religious institutions dealing with personal misconduct.
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