Wycliffe Hall, the Evangelical theological college in Oxford, was tight-lipped this week about the sudden departure of its Principal, the Revd Dr Richard Turnbull. Rumours started circulating about his absence on Friday. The college’s council finally issued a statement late on Wednesday afternoon to assert that he had not been dismissed.
In its statement, the council confirms that staff and students were told that Dr Turnbull was to take “a leave of absence”. It says: “The Council wishes to make it clear that the Principal has not been dismissed. The Council and Richard are now in on-going discussions over his future role at Wycliffe, with Vice-Principal Simon Vibert assuming the position of Acting Principal.