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| Minister, 81, arrested over child abuse claim | Minister, 81, arrested over child abuse claim |
| (about 21 hours 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 but told BBC Wales he was innocent. | |
| Dr Geraint Tudur, general secretary of the Union of Welsh Independents, said members were "naturally traumatised". | Dr Geraint Tudur, general secretary of the Union of Welsh Independents, said members were "naturally traumatised". |
| Dyfed-Powys Police said the minister has been bailed as inquiries continue. | |
| Mr Morgan has served Bryn Iwan Chapel, near Cynwyl Elfed, and Moreia Chapel in Blaenwaun, north of St Clears, since 1972. | 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." | 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". | 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. | "He remains on bail while inquiries continue," the force added. |