Troubles mount for Bishop of Truro as Cathedral investigation reveals past 'discord and conflict'

The Bishop of Truro, the Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen, has faced further troubles over the past week as stories of serious discord at the Cathedral during his watch have surfaced. The findings of a investigation have been published on the Diocesan website and the subsequent determinations of the Bishop - click here to read.  The investigation found 'serious concerns' regarding 'discordant leadership, conflictual working relationships, underperformance and an unhealthy culture'.   A new Interim dean, the Rt Rev Simon Robinson, has now been appointed.

The report said despite 'some evidence' of 'warm and productive' working relationships, key working practices were made less effective by the "prevailing culture". It said change was needed 'at pace'. This report - as is often the way with those on sensitive issues - is hard to make sense of without  relevant background.  

The Bishop, asked about these findings by the media, said that the outgoing dean, the Right Rev Roger Bush had done a 'wonderful job' but that the 'emerging to-do list' was 'not really within his skill set to address'. 

The news that the Bishop - who has been in Cornwall since 2018 - finally took action to address these issues emerged against a backdrop of growing concern about his - and the Episcopal College's - controversial On The Way plans to restructure the church in Cornwall.

Click here to read the BBC's news item - Report finds 'serious concerns' at Truro Cathedral.

Western Morning News report on Cathedral discord