Some claimed the decision by its independent procurator that it was not in the public interest to pursue a tribunal has made a ‘mockery’ of the church.
The Right Reverend Anne Dyer was appointed Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney in 2018, but was suspended pending a disciplinary tribunal over three complaints, concerning ‘behaviour or conduct unbecoming of a member of the clergy, which brings or is likely to bring the church into disrepute’.
But despite procurator Paul Reid, KC, saying there was ‘sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction in respect of each allegation’, her suspension has been lifted and she will return to her role later this month.
Mr Reid also said ‘concerns’ from witnesses about giving evidence ‘causes very real concern about continuing with this prosecution’.
Lord Simon Glenarthur, who backed the complainers, said: ‘I have to respect the decision of the procurator but I am perfectly within my rights to disagree with it.’
He said many members will now have to take time to reflect on their position with the church and he was aware of at least one who is already taking steps to change her will.
Member Stephen Goodyear claimed the decision not to proceed was ‘profoundly concerning and makes a mockery of the church’s disciplinary process’.
He said: ‘The church is obliged to safeguard people. It is unclear how it can do that effectively when it dismisses deeply troubling charges of misconduct against Bishop Anne that its own procurator has found could realistically result in her conviction at a tribunal.’
One parishioner, who did not want to be named, said: ‘The church is not interested in protecting ordinary members, it is just interested in protecting themselves.’
Bishop Dyer denied the claims and said she had faced ‘significant bullying and harassment’.
Her lawyers said there had been a campaign of ‘misinformation’ by a ‘handful’ of people who oppose same sex marriage and who object to having a female bishop.