Wiltshire churches ‘still in the dark’ as to when vicar will return

They say they have been left in the dark since Father Oliver Learmont went on sick leave six months ago, following various controversies.

He refused to step down in June last year after a vote of ‘no confidence’ at Steeple Ashton PCC, saying he was being ‘guided by the Holy Spirit’.

During his sick leave, the clergyman has also received criticism for an alleged lack of control of his dog, nicknamed 'horrible hector'.

Helen Montague-Smith, secretary of the Parochial Church Council at St Mary the Virgin Church in Steeple Ashton, said: “He’s been off work for six months now since September and we still do not know when he’s going to return.

“He’s been getting a sick note every month from his doctor. He’s not been seen since mid-September and we’ve been told not to contact him.”

St Mary the Virgin Church at Steeple Ashton. Photo: Trevor Porter 76861-1 (Image: Trevor Porter 76861-1)

She says a retired Anglican Bishop, the Right Reverend Tim Thornton, 66, was asked to conduct an Episcopal Inquiry into Father Learmont last September.

Now a member of the House of Lords, he is understood to have delivered his inquiry report to the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Stephen Lake, but his conclusions have not been published.

Father Learmont’s Benefice covers the three churches of St Mary the Virgin in Steeple Ashton, St Nicholas’s in North Bradley and St Thomas in Southwick.

Father Oliver Learmont. Photo: Trevor Porter 69900-5 (Image: Trevor Porter)

She claims Father Learmont,62, is not popular in the Benefice, and many of his parishioners would be delighted to see him leave.

He went on a leave of absence when the Steeple Ashton churchwarden Michael Moore, carried out his threat to step down if Father Learmont didn’t go, leaving no one to organise the church services.

A close-up of the notice board at St Mary’s Church at Steeple Ashton showing the vicar Father Oliver Learmont has leave of absence from November. Image: Trevor Porter 76861-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Currently, services are being covered by his Salisbury Diocese colleagues, including the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Right Reverend Dr Andrew Rumsey; the Archdeacon of Wiltshire Sue Groom, and various retired clergy.

A Diocese of Salisbury spokesperson said: “The Bishop of Salisbury is in contact with Father Oliver to discuss his return to local ministry.

“The Archdeacon of Wilts, Sue Groom, is supporting the parishes in the meantime and we are very grateful for the work of retired clergy who continue to offer services and pastoral care.”

Mrs Montague-Smith said: “Bishop Tim and the Ven Dr Sue Groom, our Archdeacon, were the two who called the recent meeting on March 1 to try and update us about Fr Oliver. Sadly, they really couldn't tell us anything new."

Father Learmont has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.