Lichfield Diocese is aware that an independent investigation commissioned by the Anglican Church in Southern Queensland, Australia has shared serious safeguarding disclosures relating to the late Revd Kesh Govan, who previously served here.
News of this nature is deeply distressing, above all for those who have experienced abuse, and also for families, friends and communities.
We encourage anyone affected by this news to contact our Safeguarding Team in confidence via email at safeguarding@lichfield.anglican.org
For those who wish to remain anonymous, support is available through Safe Spaces who provide free, independent and confidential support for anyone who has been affected by abuse within a Church of England context.
If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact the police by calling 999.
Additional confidential support is available via the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or at www.nspcc.org.uk
Further information:
Revd Kesh Govan served in both the Dioceses of Manchester and Lichfield in the United Kingdom, as well as in Ireland and Australia. The individuals who disclosed his abuse to the independent investigation commissioned by the Anglican Communion in Southern Queensland have requested that neither the youth group nor the diocese in which it was located be identified, in order to safeguard their confidentiality. We are honouring this request.