A British vicar who described himself as a 'wild child' sexually abused and groomed young girls before fleeing to Australia, a review has found. The Rev Kesh Govan, 50, from Bolton, 'groomed and sexually abused multiple female children within one youth group while living in the United Kingdom', according to the report. He took his own life in November after allegations of sexual misconduct against the children were 'substantiated'.
The Singing Vicar's Background
Govan, known as the Singing Vicar, served in the Dioceses of Manchester and Lichfield. He was born a Hindu but converted to Christianity after a near-death experience and moved to Ireland before settling in Brisbane. The Anglican Church Southern Queensland commissioned an independent investigation into him following his death. It concluded he sexually assaulted and groomed multiple young girls.
Investigation Findings
The Church said its investigation found Govan had 'groomed and sexually abused multiple female children within one youth group while living in the United Kingdom'. While in Britain he also worked as a DJ at a local radio station and attended school chapel services. The report said attendees of the church in Brisbane where Govan had served have been provided with 'a confidential pathway for people to come forward if they, or someone they know was groomed or sexually abused by Govan'.
'The Govan family, who had no knowledge of Govan's sexual abuse of children prior to his death, and the St Stephen's, and All Saints communities have also been offered free confidential counselling and support,' it added. There is said to be no evidence that he committed any similar crimes in Australia.
Apology and Response
The Most Rev Jeremy Greaves, the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, said: 'On behalf of the church, I would like to issue a sincere and complete apology to the survivors of Govan's child sexual abuse. Over the past decade, the church, both in Australia and the United Kingdom, has strengthened its policies, procedures, and protocols. However, it must do better. The evidence detailed within the independent investigation report has been shared with authorities in Australia and the United Kingdom.'
The Dioceses of Manchester and Lichfield, where Govan previously served, said it was 'deeply distressing above all for those who have experienced abuse, and also for families, friends and communities'.
Govan's Personal Story
The vicar described himself as a 'wild child' until he turned 18 in an interview with the Irish Independent in 2005. At that age he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease and was later told he had late stage cancer. While in hospital he met Christians and started to pray to God for help. He then made a full recovery but returned to Hinduism until he had a vision which brought him back to Christianity.
