BishopAccountability.org
	Church Likely to Investigation Private Life of Bishop icWales March 8, 2008 http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/03/08/church-likely-to-investigation-private-life-of-bishop-91466-20583442/ THE Archbishop of Wales is likely to launch a formal investigation next week into concerns about the friendship between the Bishop of St Davids and a married woman priest. Yesterday it emerged that 23 clerics in the Diocese of St Davids had signed a letter requesting such an inquiry into the private life of Bishop Carl Cooper. Last month the Bishop, 47, and his wife Joy announced they were separating after a 25-year marriage. Earlier this week the Rev Mandy Williams-Potter, 38, who works as the Bishop's chaplain and communication officer, confirmed she was separating from her husband Chris. When the Bishop and his wife announced they were separating, they said no one else was involved in the split. Equally, Mrs Williams-Potter told the Western Mail no other party was involved in her separation from her husband. The Church in Wales has said that the Archbishop, Dr Barry Morgan, is consulting those affected. He is also taking advice from senior figures in the Church, some of whom are lawyers, about how he should proceed. The Western Mail understands that because as many as 23 clerics signed the call for a formal investigation, the Archbishop is likely to take the view that a formal investigation is inevitable. The number signing the letter is approximately one fifth of the total clergy in the diocese. The call for an investigation was initiated by two vicars the Rev Dr Will Strange of St Peter's, Carmarthen, and the Rev Peter Jones of Llangennech, near Llanelli. In their letter they asked for an inquiry to determine whether there was any "just cause for scandal" associated with the breakdown of the Bishop's marriage. Mrs Williams-Potter has denied rumours she has been having an affair with the Bishop, telling the Western Mail in a written statement, "I am not in an inappropriate relationship with Bishop Carl. "I confirm that my husband Chris and I are planning to separate, but at present are still living together. "There is no one else involved in the break-up of our marriage. The two marital breakdowns are tragically coincidental and not connected in any way." A letter circulated by Dr Strange and Mr Jones to clerical colleagues said, "The aim of this process [a formal investigation] would be to establish the facts surrounding the Bishop's current situation and to take whatever action, if any, proves necessary." The vicars added that by signing the letter they were not prejudging what the process may determine or decide. A joint statement from the Bishop and his wife last month said, "Sadly and tragically, we have decided to separate. There is no one else involved on either side. "We are committed to an ongoing, amicable relationship of mutual care and support. "The challenges in our marriage are personal and shall remain private for our own sakes and that of our family and loved ones. "Clearly this is a most painful and difficult time for all concerned. Please remember us and our family in your prayers." The Bishop, who has been married for 25 years and has three children aged 17, 20 and 22, has refused to comment further on his separation. Church in Wales leaders have been told by both the Bishop and Mrs Williams-Potter that their separations are "an unfortunate coincidence". A Church in Wales spokeswoman said, "Once there are allegations of misconduct the Archbishop investigates as a matter of course. "The investigation can take the form of informal discussions or it can go to a church tribunal for more of a disciplinary hearing." One Church insider who knows both Bishop Cooper and Mrs Williams-Potter said, "It is very unfortunate that both their marriages have broken down at the same time, but I do believe them when they say they are not involved in an affair. "But perception is very important and the fact that so many clerics have called for an investigation means it would be very difficult not to hold one."
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