Bishop Anne Dyer suspended over complaint about cathedral decision

Bishop Anne Dyer, Scotland’s first female bishop, is due to retire in February 2027 after a turbulent tenure leading the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney. A new church-law complaint has led to her suspension, leaving the diocese uncertain about the status of its cathedral and renewing scrutiny of her leadership.

Dyer was appointed in 2017 and consecrated the following year. She has previously served a two-year suspension and faced inquiries and complaints that included allegations of bullying and abusive conduct; the latest case concerns her 2020 decision to remove St Andrew’s Cathedral’s status and designate St Mary’s as a temporary replacement. A church committee referred the complaint to the procurator, triggering automatic suspension while the matter is considered; the article says her retirement is required at age 70.