Church considering termination of Deputy Le Tocq's employment

Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, a senior pastor and elected States member in Guernsey, has been remanded in custody six days ago after being charged with eight offences, including making at least 1,400 indecent images of children, possessing extremely pornographic images, and sending messages and images of an indecent character on X (formerly twitter) through multiple accounts.

Le Tocq, who has been the senior pastor of The Rock Community Church in Guernsey for more than 20 years, was immediately stood down from all responsibilities within New Ground, an organisation he had been involved with since its formation in 2013. He also spoke at events throughout the New Ground organisation and served on the New Ground Core Team, with a focus on supporting churches in France.

The Rock Community Church has expressed concern for islanders potentially impacted by the allegations against Deputy Le Tocq. Pastoral care is being offered by the church to those in need. The employment of Deputy Le Tocq with The Rock Community Church, which is funded by New Ground, is currently under review, pending the investigation and ongoing court case.

New Ground and The Rock Community Church have urged anyone impacted by the shocking news of Le Tocq's arrest and charging to contact an independent, Christian safeguarding service. The churches have directed those affected to contact thirtyone:eight, an independent safeguarding organisation, for support. Anyone impacted is encouraged to call thirtyone:eight on 0303 003 1111.

Policy and Resources, the committee Le Tocq served on, suggested his removal for "practical reasons" as he is currently unable to do any work. The charges were described in court as being so serious that the matter will have to be sent up to the island's Royal Court.

Deputy Le Tocq has not entered any pleas to the charges. There are no search results indicating any Christian organizations affected by allegations against Le Tocq or specifying when he resigned from any such organizations. The Rock Community Church declined to provide answers to questions regarding Le Tocq's role due to sensitivities.

Le Tocq has maintained his religious work alongside his political work while an elected States member, and he's also assisted other churches in France, where he has a second home. The spokesperson for the churches urged anyone impacted by the allegations to contact thirtyone:eight for independent support.