MICHAEL WALTER'S SHOCKING PAST REVEALED IN UK CHURCH SCANDAL

In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through the religious community across the United Kingdom, the Reverend Michael Walter, a vicar who has served in numerous locations throughout the country, was found to have a criminal history dating back over three decades. This discovery led to his immediate removal from his current position at St Luke's Church in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, just before Easter.

It has emerged that Reverend Walter, now 67 years old, had previously served a 15-month prison sentence for child abuse committed while he was a vicar in Hull. His ecclesiastical career began in the 1960s when he was appointed as a curate at St Michael's Church in Middlesbrough. During his early years in the church, he was also involved in abusive acts in Hull, which only came to light recently.

The controversy surrounding Reverend Walter's past raises serious questions about how such a history could have remained hidden for so long, especially considering the strict child protection policies implemented by the Church of England. The House of Bishops had explicitly stated in 1995 that no clergy convicted of serious child-related offences should be permitted to work in close proximity to children. Despite this, Reverend Walter was employed within the dioceses of Durham and York after serving his initial sentence in 1970 for indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.

Further complicating the case, Reverend Walter received a second conviction in 1988 for violent assault. He later moved to London in 1992, where he served as a curate in Feltham. Upon his retirement in 1996, he was granted permission to officiate by the Diocese of London. After relocating to Surrey, he took up a position as an assistant priest at St Luke's Church, where he was assisting until the recent discovery of his past.

At present, there are no new allegations against Reverend Walter. However, authorities are actively engaging with diocesan officials and social services to determine if any further legal or protective actions are necessary. The police are involved in discussions to assess whether any additional steps should be taken regarding his past conduct.

Reverend Walter has issued a statement claiming, "I have had to live with this for 30 years and nothing has ever happened since. All my relationships in the Church have been entirely innocent." Despite his assertions, the revelation has prompted widespread concern and scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Reverend Martin Hislop, the vicar of St Luke's, explained that Reverend Walter's past only came to light when he was asked to complete a Criminal Records Bureau form. This incident has raised questions about the transparency and oversight within church employment practices, especially given the history of abuse allegations involving clergy across the UK.