The Church of England has barred a former minister, who worked at an Abbots Langley church, for four years over “inappropriate” conduct.

Reverend Brian Jeffery Hibberd, who occasionally lead ceremonies at St Lawrence’s Church in High Street, committed “conduct unbecoming and inappropriate to the office and work of a clerk in Holy Orders” according to a disciplinary outcome published on the CofE website.

The retired reverend was a self-supporting minister who had permission from the Diocese of St Albans to officiate ceremonies until it was withdrawn in January 2023, but was not paid a stipend from the Church of England. 

Revd Hibberd had permission to officiate ceremonies at St Lawrence’s Church in Abbots Langley.Revd Hibberd had permission to officiate ceremonies at St Lawrence’s Church in Abbots Langley. The disciplinary panel handed him limited prohibition for four years from June 23, during which he will be barred from carrying out any church work.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of St Albans said: “The CofE holds its clergy to very high standards, and any misconduct is addressed with the utmost seriousness. We deeply regret any harm caused by such misconduct and we have sincerely apologised and offered ongoing support to the person affected.

They declined to comment on the nature of the allegations, adding: "As proceedings under the clergy discipline measure are confidential, we are not permitted to comment on any particular allegations. This confidentiality is in place to protect all parties involved and to respect the privacy of those affected by any misconduct.

"Outcomes resulting in a penalty are published on the Church of England’s website, where they are accessible to the public."

Current St Lawrence's vicar Reverend Peter Waddell said: “I’m truly sorry for the harm done by Rev Hibberd’s actions, and would like to reiterate the public apology made by the Bishop of Hertford at the conclusion of the church investigation last year.”

St Lawrence's vicar Reverend Peter WaddellSt Lawrence's vicar Reverend Peter Waddell said he was "truly sorry" for the harm caused by the minister's actions.At a service at the church on October 22, 2023, the Bishop of Hertford the Rt Revd Dr Jane Mainwaring said: "I offer, on behalf of the church as a whole, an apology to the people who came forward to complain, for the abuse of trust shown by Brian.

"I acknowledge their courage in making their complaint and their resilience during what has been a lengthy investigation and doubtless a period of intense uncertainty."

Reverend Brian Jeffery Hibberd has been contacted for comment.