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	Bishop Who Called Jerry Springer Opera 'Filth' Quits over Affair with Choir Mistress Daily Mail April 9, 2008 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=558365&in_page_id=1770 A bishop has been forced to resign after confessing to having an affair under his wife's nose. Former policeman Michael Reid, 64, has resigned as a bishop after admitting he had "sinned by committing adultery". His former church has refused to speculate on claims Mr Reid had been embroiled in an eight year affair with its music director Sheila Graziano. The bishop, branded a 'hypocrite', slammed the BBC in 2006 for screening Jerry Springer The Opera for its depiction of Jesus wearing a nappy. In a statement the disgraced father-of-three from Brentwood, Essex, said: "It is with great sorrow and regret that I have resigned form he church board and have stepped down from official duties. "I confess that I have sinned by committing adultery. I recognise that I have failed in my duties and acted in a way that harmed the church. "I take full responsibilities for my actions and so I resigned. I apologise to my wife and family and all of you whose trust I have betrayed and ask for your forgiveness and prayers." Mr Reid's wife Ruth is said to be standing by her husband. Anne Brown a spokeswoman for the Michael Reid Ministries in Brentwood, Essex, said: "They are married and they are together. She says she has forgiven him. She loves him." But the church spokeswoman refused to reveal whether or not Sheila Graziano was still director of music. She said: "We have not named the other party involved and will not be committing on any person other than Bishop Reid." Mr Reid, a former Metropolitan Police officer was made a bishop by the International Communion of Charismatic Churches in Nigeria in 1995. He and his wife Ruth travelled the world preaching miracles, healing and faith. The disgraced bishop was head of the Peniel Church for 32 years and had an 800-strong congregation at Michael Reid Ministries. The couple are thought to have gone to America where he is thought to be involved in a second ministry. News of his infidelity has riled people in his hometown who have called him a "hypocritical fool". Ralph Mackinson said: "He calls himself a priest and then goes against his beliefs. "At least he had the decency to step down. But for how long?" Reverend Peter Linnecar, senior pastor at the church, said he will be taking over and it is not yet know whether the ministry will change its name. He said: "Bishop Reid has been a servant of this church for 32 years. We are deeply sorry that this has happened. "He has recognized his sin and taken full responsibility for his actions and resigned. "We believe the gospel of Jesus Christ and that our God is a God of love, forgiveness and restoration from all sin and we would ask that you pray for all concerned and respect privacy at this difficult time." Eric Pickles, MP for Brentwood, said: "I think this is a private matter and I am always sympathetic for people. Everyone is human. These things happen in life. I hope these two people can sort things out with their families."
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