If Westminster Abbey had supposed that the rumour mill would finally stop grinding when the Lord Chancellor's appointed representative found in their favour in the matter of Dr and Mrs Neary's dismissal, it was mistaken. All these remarks were made this week. Even the suggestion that the Nearys had been exonerated, made by supporters at their press conference last Wednesday, was inaccurate. But he did not have to. Thus accusations of guilt or professions of innocence are not appropriate to the case, especially when made by outsiders with no clear knowledge of the details.
Western society is based on the rule of law, and it protects as many as it castigates.
Once the Abbey allowed its hands to be tied by the lawyers, it was actively inhibited from pursuing charitable relations with the Nearys, and for this it must take some blame. But by the time this juncture was reached the damage had already been done. Those without experience of life in a religious community cannot appreciate how vital is the element of trust. Once gone, it is almost impossible to restore, and the best recourse is to put aside the question of right or wrong and simply get out. It is to be hoped that the Nearys will soon be thriving elsewhere.