Rochdale-born Methodist leader dismissed after safeguarding investigation

Photo: Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

Steven Wild

A former Cornwall district chairman of the Methodist Church – who was born in Rochdale – has been dismissed from the position after a safeguarding investigation.

Reverend Steven Wild, who lived in Rochdale until he was 21, was suspended from the role last September when an investigation was launched. Due to retire this summer, Mr Wild had been chair of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Methodist Circuit and a former president of the Methodist Conference.
 

Read more: Rev Steven Wild elected President of Methodist ConferencePublished: 04 July 2014

The church said it had considered complaints against him and found “the information provided to them was sufficient to determine that Mr Wild should not be permitted to return to his ministry.”

The church added that “detail of the investigation could not be discussed” but that the safeguarding complaints “did not relate to children.”

In a statement to the BBC, Mr Wild, who became a Christian at the age of 12, said: “I have been deeply saddened at how the Methodist safeguarding team has treated me, the length of time it has taken for their process to unfold and on several occasions the profoundly disturbing manner in which the processes have been undertaken.

“As a direct result, my physical and mental health, and that of my family, has suffered hugely.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that I categorically deny that I have ever - or would ever - intentionally behave in a way that would bring the church that I have loved and faithfully served for over 40 years into disrepute.”

Rochdale Online understands that an independent investigation into the process and the judgements reached will now take place, following a request from Mr Wild.