In a significant development within academic and religious circles, a Catholic priest serving at the prestigious University of Oxford has been compelled to resign following serious allegations of grooming and misconduct leveled by a student. The case has drawn attention to safeguarding protocols and accountability within religious institutions.
Allegations and Immediate Fallout
Father Damian Howard, who was appointed as the Senior Chaplain at the Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy (OUCC) in 2023, has left his position after a student came forward with disturbing claims of inappropriate sexual behavior. The student, described as vulnerable, alleged that Howard initiated sexual contact while the student was under the influence of alcohol, encouraged him to sleep in his bed, and removed his clothing.
According to the student's account, the priest, who characterized his role as pastoral, instructed him not to disclose the incidents, warning that it would ruin Howard's reputation. This manipulation added a layer of psychological pressure to the already grave situation.
Investigation and Substantiated Findings
Following a thorough investigation by the Jesuits in Britain, the allegations were deemed substantiated, leading to Howard being asked to resign. The OUCC confirmed this in an official statement, highlighting the seriousness with which the complaint was handled. Howard, who previously served as the Provincial Superior of Jesuits in Britain for six years before joining the OUCC, has a notable history, including issuing a personal apology to a victim of another Jesuit priest, Peter Orr, accused of sexual abuse spanning decades.
The student detailed how Howard first met him in 2023 and subsequently invited him on day trips and dinners, exploiting the student's emotional turmoil. He stated, He witnessed the implosion of my faith, my life, and my emotional state; rather than offering the kind of disinterested support a Chaplain would, he used me as a crutch for his loneliness. This revelation underscores the breach of trust inherent in the pastoral relationship.
Delayed Disclosure and Ongoing Reviews
Despite Howard being instructed to resign in August, the OUCC and Jesuits in Britain did not publicly announce this decision or publish details of his professional misconduct at the time. This lack of immediate transparency has raised questions about institutional handling of such cases.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, a spokesperson for Jesuits in Britain emphasized their commitment to taking every complaint seriously, with a structured process involving initial assessment, investigation, and potential external review. They noted, Based on their conclusions, immediate action was taken: Fr Damian Howard SJ was asked to step down on the grounds of professional misconduct and has not been in ministry since. The investigation included interviews and examination of documented interactions to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
However, in an October email to the student, Jesuit officials indicated that concrete evidence of grooming was not found, though an independent review by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CCSA) is now underway to assess the complaint handling. The OUCC reiterated that Howard was asked to step down due to professional misconduct following the substantiated complaint, and they have been contacted for further comment.
This incident highlights critical issues in safeguarding within religious and educational settings, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
