124 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 In the Ombudsman’s opinion, though, there was reason for the responsible authorities to consider in more general terms to which extent it was necessary in all respects to maintain such overall stressful and restrictive living conditions. F. MINISTRY OF ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS The following statement on a case concluded in 2014 has been published: 2014-33. BISHOP AND DIOCESAN AUTHORITIES EMPLOYEES DISQUALIFIED IN A COMPLAINT CASE REGARDING THE RURAL DEAN’S VICARAGE INSPECTION WITH PARTICIPATION OF THE BISHOP IN HIS CAPACITY AS RURAL DEAN A former vicar complained to the Ombudsman about a decision taken by the diocese and the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs in regard to the vicar’s complaint about some of the Rural Dean Inspections of the official residence attached to the vicar’s position as vicar. The Ombudsman’s examination of the case concentrated on whether the bishop – who had been a rural dean in the past and had participated in the Rural Dean Inspections of the vicar’s official residence in this capacity – as well as employees at the diocesan authorities were disqualified when they processed a complaint from the vicar concerning the reply from the Deanery Committee on the Rural Dean Inspections of vicarages. In the opinion of the diocese and the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs, there was no disqualification involved. The Ombudsman found that the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs should have established disqualification. Therefore, he asked the Ministry to reopen the processing of the case.