A Canberra-based former pastor whose social media profiles say he has a passion for children’s ministry has been accused of using a mobile app to groom a 14-year-old girl.
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Brian Champness, 41, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday when he entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of using a carriage service to groom the child.
Police will allege Mr Champness was acting in his capacity as a member of the clergy when he groomed the girl between May and October last year.
Mr Champness was most recently a senior pastor at St Paul’s Ginninderra Anglican Church, according to his LinkedIn profile.
The same profile says that Mr Champness has been involved in children's ministry for more than 20 years, including in England and Goulburn, NSW.
In a statement published online, the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn said it immediately suspended Mr Champness when it became aware of a breach of its code of practice on October 29.
Mr Champness has subsequently resigned from his position.
"We informed the police straight away, and have been actively cooperating with them and assisting in the investigation of this matter," the statement said.
"We have also been intentionally caring for the [alleged] victim and all those affected right from the beginning.
"We continue to pray for healing and justice for all in the process now before the court."
Police said members of the sexual assault and child abuse team had arrested the Evatt man and released him on police bail to be summonsed to court on Thursday.
The investigation began last year, following a referral from NSW Police.
The case returns to court for a pre hearing mention on April 4.
