THE Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Methodist District Chair, Rev Steven Wild, has been suspended pending a safeguarding investigation.

A number of women have come forward with sexual abuse claims against the Rev Wild, which the Methodist Church says they are investigation ‘as a neutral act and without prejudice’.

A friend of one of the claiming victims, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Post: “In light of the recent release of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse report on religious groups I think this needs to be highlighted.

“Three women have put their names forward now, and they are very brave for doing so.”

He also added that all the incidents have been reported to the police stating that they have been ‘very supportive of the women involved’.

In response to the allegations a spokesperson from the Methodist Church in Cornwall confirmed: “A safeguarding investigation is taking place in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly District. In accordance with Methodist Church process, as a neutral act and without prejudice, the District Chair the Revd Steven Wild has been suspended for the duration of the investigation.”

The police were unable to confirm nor deny whether any named individual is or has been subject to a police investigation.