Church minister suspended pending investigation into alleged conduct

Minister: A Church of Scotland spokesman said the probe is a 'private matter'.

An Aberdeenshire minister has been suspended by the Church of Scotland pending an investigation into his alleged conduct.

The Rev Stephen Emery has been temporarily relieved of his duties while senior clergy from the Presbytery of Gordon carry out a probe into claims about the Ellon Parish cleric.

His congregation were informed of his suspension at a church service on Sunday.

A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: “The Presbytery of Gordon has received allegations about Rev Stephen Emery, and has started an investigation according to normal procedures.

“While the investigation continues, Mr Emery has been placed on temporary suspension. The investigation is a private matter and it is not appropriate for the Presbytery to make any further comment until it is concluded.”

Mr Emery was ordained in November 2006 and inducted into the Ellon Parish the same month.

The minister has worked at other churches in the north-east including the Old Parish Church in Fraserburgh prior to his induction.

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