In a shocking turn of events, the heir to the Colman’s mustard empire and his clergy wife have been asked to step back from their roles at a Hampshire church following the release of a damning report linking them to a notorious abuser. The report, which details the sadistic abuse perpetrated by a powerful barrister, has sent shockwaves through the Church of England and raised serious questions about safeguarding failures and accountability within the institution.
A Dark Connection Exposed
According to sources close to the investigation, Sir Jamie Colman, who inherited the baronetcy and now oversees a £9 million family trust, and his wife, Rev Sue Colman, have been named in the report as having financially supported the abuser despite being aware of the allegations against him. The couple’s involvement with the abuser is said to have been instrumental in enabling him to continue his abusive mission in Zimbabwe, where they visited his Christian camps and stayed with him and his wife.
The report, authored by Keith Makin, paints a disturbing picture of the abuser’s reign of terror, during which he sadistically beat boys and young men. The couple’s close association with the abuser and their efforts to persuade others to support him financially have raised serious concerns about their judgment and the church’s vetting processes.
A Diocese Takes Action
In response to the report’s findings, the diocese of Winchester has taken swift action, asking Rev Sue Colman to step back from all ministerial duties while they assess the situation and work with the national safeguarding team to manage any associated risks. Sir Jamie Colman, who holds no official ministerial position but has been volunteering at the church, has also been asked to cease his activities.
All failures in safeguarding should be treated with the utmost seriousness, whether locally or nationally, and the response to those failures should be proportionate and appropriate.
– Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester
Concerns Over Church Leadership
The scandal has also raised questions about the Church of England’s leadership and its ability to address safeguarding issues effectively. A former member of the Crown Nominations Commission, the body responsible for selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury, has expressed outrage that a retired clergyman who likely knew of the abuse but failed to act could be part of the selection process.
It is unconscionable that Andrew Cornes remained a member of the CNC, but this is a matter for the bishop of Chichester and the archbishops’ secretary for appointments, Stephen Knott. He should of course just resign.
– Anthony Archer, former CNC member
A Church in Crisis
As the Church of England grapples with the fallout from this scandal, many are left wondering how deep the rot goes and whether the institution is capable of reforming itself. The Colman family’s involvement has shed light on the complex web of power, influence, and privilege that can enable abusers to operate with impunity, even within the halls of one of the nation’s most revered institutions.
The road ahead for the Church of England is certain to be a difficult one, as it must confront not only the specific allegations in this case but also the broader systemic issues that have allowed such abuses to occur and go unchecked for so long. Only by undertaking a thorough and transparent reckoning with its past failures can the church hope to regain the trust of its followers and the wider public.
As the investigation continues and more details emerge, the eyes of the nation will be on the Church of England to see whether it can rise to the challenge of holding itself accountable and charting a new course forward. The fate of the Colmans and others implicated in this scandal will serve as a litmus test for the church’s commitment to justice, integrity, and the protection of the vulnerable.
