Complaint Process

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia expects very high standards of behaviour from all its ministers and authorised leaders. A list of ministry standards apply to everyone in licensed Anglican ministry, and to non-licensed office holders including:

• Ordained ministers (priests, deacons, bishops)
• Licensed lay ministers
• Licensed volunteer leaders
• Trustees
• Elected leaders (vestry, synod, committee, board members) who have signed a declaration
• Licensed youth leaders
• Licensed children’s workers

A complaint can made be about the actions of any person (past or present) who is licensed to offer ministry or leadership in the Anglican Church or who leads activities or institutions run by the Anglican Church. Complaints are taken seriously. The complaint process is detailed here including various ways of making a complaint.

If you have experienced misconduct, regardless of how long ago, we encourage you to make a complaint so that the matter can be investigated.

Misconduct from anyone other than an ordained minister, licensed person, or office holder should be discussed with your:

• Your local priest or vicar
• Your Parish Safeguarding Contact
• Your local archdeacon
• Diocesan staff (see list here)
• Diocesan Monitor
• Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

Please follow up with any information you pass on to these individuals. Ask:

• What do you plan to do with the information I give you?
• When will this be done?
• When will we next talk about this matter?

If you are unsatisfied with the response you receive, please escalate the matter.

Note: contact the Police if criminal behaviour occurred.