The Jesuits in Britain have confirmed that Fr Damian Howard SJ has stepped down from ministry following a safeguarding investigation into a complaint of professional misconduct, with an independent review now under way. Fr Damian stands accused of “inappropriate behaviour” with a student. 

In a statement, the order told the Catholic Herald that: “We take every complaint extremely seriously and respond with care and diligence. When this complaint was received, the safeguarding team of Jesuits in Britain carried out an investigation. 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.”