Church leaders knew of abuse claims decades before bishop’s conviction

Background

The Church in Wales has confirmed that leaders were made aware of a sexual misconduct allegation against Anthony Pierce — decades before he was convicted of child abuse.

Pierce, who went on to serve as the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon from 1999 to 2008, was jailed earlier this year after admitting multiple charges of indecent assault against a boy under the age of 16 between 1985 and 1990.

Early Allegations

A BBC Wales Investigates report revealed that a university student raised concerns about Pierce’s behaviour in the mid-1980s. The allegation was passed to then-bishop Benjamin Vaughan, but there is no record of disciplinary action being taken.

Despite this, Pierce continued his ministry and was later promoted within the Church.

Victims Speak Out

The student, Alisdair Adams, who reported the incident at the time, told the BBC:

“It still makes me livid that they knew about this 40 years ago. Don’t just dismiss it and say safeguarding is much better today… Why were the students’ claims not investigated?”

Other students also alleged inappropriate behaviour, and the Church has since acknowledged that senior figures were aware of further allegations in the 1990s, which were not reported to police until 2010.

Safeguarding Response

The Church in Wales said an internal investigation confirmed that clergy did raise the concern with the bishop at the time, and that “in the 40 years since this case, practice and policies have changed.”

Today, any such allegation would be referred to safeguarding professionals within the Church, independent of diocesan leadership.

The spokesperson added that the Church remains in contact with survivors and urged anyone with safeguarding concerns to come forward.

Why this matters

This case illustrates the long-term consequences of institutions failing to act on safeguarding concerns when first raised. It highlights the importance of robust governance, independent safeguarding structures, and survivor-centred responses that do not leave allegations vulnerable to dismissal.

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