THE dioceses of Manchester and Lichfield, where the late the Revd Kesh Govan served before emigrating to Australia, have released statements after “serious safeguarding disclosures” about him were confirmed by an independent investigation commissioned by the diocese of Brisbane, in Australia.
Govan took his own life in November (Deaths, 28 November 2025), aged 59. Shortly after, information came to light which prompted an investigation which ultimately concluded that he had groomed and abused several victims.
In identical statements released on Wednesday of last week, the dioceses of Manchester and Lichfield said that they were “aware that an independent investigation commissioned by the Anglican Church in Southern Queensland, Australia has shared serious safeguarding disclosures relating to the late Revd Kesh Govan, who previously served here”.
The statement continued: “News of this nature is deeply distressing, above all for those who have experienced abuse and also for families, friends, and communities. We encourage anyone affected by this news to contact our Safeguarding Team in confidence via email at safeguarding@lichfield.anglican.org.”
A further note from the dioceses confirmed that Govan had also served in Ireland and Australia.
“The individuals who disclosed his abuse to the independent investigation commissioned by the Anglican Communion in Southern Queensland have requested that neither the youth group nor the diocese in which it was located be identified, in order to safeguard their confidentiality. We are honouring this request.”
Govan had been Team Vicar in the Walkden and Little Hulton Team Ministry in Worsley (2000 to 2004) before moving to the Church of Ireland to become Rector of Blessington with Kilbride, Ballymore Eustace and Holywood, until 2007.
He then served a curacy in Rocester and Croxden with Hollington, in Lichfield diocese, until 2010, when he was appointed Vicar. During that time, he was also School Chaplain of JCB Academy. In 2014, he emigrated to Australia, serving as Rector of Nelson Bay until his death.
The dioceses pointed to the free, independent, and confidential support line Safe Spaces and additional confidential support via the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or at nspcc.org.uk.