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Minister, 81, arrested over child abuse claim | Minister, 81, arrested over child abuse claim |
(about 1 hour later) | |
An 81-year-old church minister has been arrested in south west Wales over an allegation of historical child abuse. | An 81-year-old church minister has been arrested in south west Wales over an allegation of historical child abuse. |
Gwyn Ieuan Morgan from Johnstown, Carmarthen, has been suspended from duties at his two chapels pending the outcome of a police investigation. | |
Dr Geraint Tudur, general secretary of the Union of Welsh Independents, said members were "naturally traumatised". | |
Dyfed Powys Police said the minister had been bailed while inquiries continue. | |
Mr Morgan has served Bryn Iwan Chapel, near Cynwyl Elfed, and Moreia Chapel in Blaenwaun, north of St Clears, since 1972. | |
Dr Tudur said: "As a charity which offers our members legal and pastoral support, we advised the churches involved to suspend their minister at once, pending the outcome of the investigation. | Dr Tudur said: "As a charity which offers our members legal and pastoral support, we advised the churches involved to suspend their minister at once, pending the outcome of the investigation. |
"This advice was immediately acted upon by church trustees. | "This advice was immediately acted upon by church trustees. |
"The church members are naturally traumatised by this development and the union is giving them continuing pastoral support." | "The church members are naturally traumatised by this development and the union is giving them continuing pastoral support." |
A statement from the group added: "The union has no power to enforce CRB [Criminal Records Bureau] checks and registration, although it regularly and strongly urges local churches to ensure that the procedure is followed." | |
Dyfed Powys Police confirmed that "an 81-year-old man was arrested in connection with an historic allegation of sexual activity with a minor". | |
"He remains on bail while inquiries continue," the force added. |