Spiritual abuse, coercive sexual activity witnessed by children, manipulation and control – these are just some of the horrifying accusations being made about a village vicar who “ruled congregants with a rod of iron and a flaming temper”.

The behaviour of Rev. Michael Edward Hall, who was the vicar at St Margaret’s in Church Road, Tylers Green, from 1981 until he retired in 2000 and who died in June 2021, is being investigated as part of a safeguarding case review commissioned by The Diocese of Oxford and led by a former police detective.

Shocking allegations came to light in January 2020 when a former member of the congregation tragically took their own life.

On learning of the death, the current vicar raised “serious concerns” with the diocesan safeguarding team about the past behaviour of the former vicar, Rev. Hall, towards members of the congregation – including the person who had died.

According to statements from a number of witnesses:

  • There was adult sexual activity between some members of the congregation which was possibly coercive and witnessed by children and young people which took place in the church, in the parish rooms and also in people’s homes
  • Rev. Hall showed “belligerent and unreasonable” behaviour towards many individuals, including members of the parish council and the residents’ association and “ruled congregants with a rod of iron and a flaming temper”
  • Books were not allowed in the church, only the word of Rev. Hall “carried weight”
  • Anyone who did not fit in was “bullied and cajoled” until they did, or they left
  • There was coercion and control, manipulation and pressuring of individuals through the misuse of religious texts and scripture and providing a “divine” rationale for behaviour
  • There are claims of financial abuse involving “significant” sums of money

The Diocese of Oxford is urging any further victims of Rev. Hall, as well as the partners and children of those who encountered him, to come forward with information and a confidential helpline can be used to share their experiences.

Members of the safeguarding case review team say the behaviour was clearly not appropriate and would be described as “spiritual abuse” if it happened today.

The Rt Revd Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham, has met with those who have come forward during the investigation so far and has “apologised to each of them on behalf of the church for what Michael Hall did”.

Bishop Alan said: “I have heard stories that books weren’t allowed in the church, it was only the word of Michael Hall that carried weight. Anyone who didn't fit in was apparently bullied and cajoled by him until they did, or they walked away.

“Sexualised behaviour between some members of the congregation and Hall appears to have been witnessed by children and young people and then spiritualised by him as acceptable.

“The people I spoke to described feelings of being trapped and experiencing distorted family lives that persist to this day.

“I am in no doubt that what happened was wrong and I think that there can be no excuse for Hall’s actions.

“I am truly sorry for what happened here in Tylers Green and encourage anyone with further information to come forward."

Rev. Hall was deaconed in June 1969, serving his curacy at St Margaret Aspley in Nottingham until around 1973 when he became incumbent of St John the Divine, Bulwell, also in Nottingham. He then moved to St Margaret’s in Tylers Green from 1981 until he retired on April 13, 2000.

The invitation to come forward with information has been shared with all three of these parishes and Rev. Hall’s family have also been contacted by the church to offer pastoral support.

The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham has confirmed its support for the investigation and learning review, saying: “We deplore all forms of abuse and would urge anyone who has information relating to Rev. Michael Hall to assist the Diocese of Oxford in this process.”

How you can come forward with information about Rev. Hall:

  • Contact independent charity Thirtyone:eight by calling 0303 003 1111 (option #3). You do not have to give your name and anything you share will be treated with care and compassion. Use the phrase ‘Tylers Green’ to be directed to a specialist. This specialist helpline is available for three months
  • If you would prefer to contact the Oxford diocesan safeguarding team directly, email safeguardingreferrals@oxford.anglican.org. Your message will only be seen by trained safeguarding professionals
  • If you have experienced church-based abuse in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham and would prefer to contact the diocesan safeguarding team there, call 01636 817200

If you need support:

  • Call Samaritans at any time of the day or night, every day of the year – call for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or go to www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch
  • Call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or email safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk. Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone in the church