Statement on the Revd Samuel Erlandson
The Revd Samuel Erlandson has appeared at Mold Magistrates Court charged with two counts of making indecent images of a child. He pleaded guilty and was bailed until his sentencing on December 30.
The Church in Wales is appalled and saddened that one of its clerics has committed such serious offences. Our prayers are with the victims in this case, and all victims of abuse.
The Church in Wales safeguarding team has worked closely with the police and the statutory authorities in recent days. Immediately following his arrest, Mr Erlandson’s permission to officiate as a cleric was removed. Once the criminal proceedings have concluded, the Church in Wales Disciplinary Tribunal will consider further appropriate action.
There is no place for any form of abuse in the Church in Wales. We give the highest priority to the care and protection of children and vulnerable people in our communities. To this end we regularly review our safeguarding procedures and provide extensive training to staff and volunteers.
We encourage anyone with safeguarding concerns to contact a member of our team via the Church in Wales website:
- Web: https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/safeguarding/reporting-safeguarding-concern/
- Tel: 02920 348200.
Alternatively, Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales. You can contact the Safe Spaces team by:
- Web: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk
- Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
- Email: safespaces@fear-less.org.uk
Anyone with concerns or information about this case should contact North Wales Police on their live chat quoting ref Q179109.