AN ombudsman is to be appointed to hear allegations raised during the appointment process of the next Bishop of Montreal, the diocese has announced.

The Ven. Dr Victor-David Mbuyi Bipungu, a Congolese Canadian and former Roman Catholic, was elected this month as Bishop Coadjutor, but the election was fraught with allegations of misconduct (News, 9 May). As it announced the result, the diocese issued a statement saying that concerns raised had been heard by the current Bishop of Montreal, the Rt Revd Mary Irwin-Gibson, who retires in October.

It said: “During the lead up to our recent electoral synod, concerns were raised about the diocese’s safe church policy and processes. Bishop Mary has heard these concerns and will recommend to the next meeting of Diocesan Council in June that an ‘ombudsperson’ who is at arm’s length be appointed for at least the next three months to receive any concerns, questions or complaints.

“Diocesan Council has already set in motion a review of the existing Safe Church policy and we are committed to seeing this review through. Through our baptism as Christians, we have willingly and knowingly entered into a ‘Covenant Relationship’ and are committed to making the diocese of Montreal safe(r).”

The Diocesan Council has also announced a review of its electoral process in order to review “external pressures” on members of the Search Committee who drew up the list of candidates (News, 28 March). Half of those people resigned, citing concerns over the diocese’s Safe Church policy.

The diocese concluded: “By working together we can continue to grow and build a church that is safe and gives glory to God.”

Dr Mbuyi Bipungu will become the 13th Bishop of Montreal in October, when he succeeds Bishop Irwin-Gibson.