Catholic Bishop Resigns after Being "Unfaithful" to Vows

By Greta McClain
Digital Journal
September 27, 2014

http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/religion/catholic-bishops-resigns-after-being-unfaithful-to-vows-breaking-news/article/405750

Slaugham - One of England's most powerful and influential Roman Catholic Bishops has resigned after admitting he has been "unfaithful" to his vows.

Bishop Kieran Conry, the 63-year-old Bishop for the Arundel and Brighton diocese, announced his resignation through a written statement read during masses throughout the diocese on Saturday. In the statement, Conry says:

"I am sorry to confess that, going back some years, I have been unfaithful to my promises as a Catholic priest."

Conry assures church members that his behavior did not involve minors or "illegal" activity. He also apologizes for any pain his actions has caused members of his diocese and those outside of the diocese, saying:

“I am sorry for the shame that I have brought on the diocese and the Church and I ask for your prayers and forgiveness.”

There have been long standing rumors that Conry has a girlfriend, however an affair has never been confirmed.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, called the announcement:

"A sad and painful moment. It makes clear that we are always a Church of sinners called to repentance and conversion and in need of God's mercy."

Conry was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1975. In 1994 he was named the Director of the Catholic Media Office in London, where he served until 2001. He was named Bishop of Arundel and Brighton in May 2001.

Conry has often times been criticized for his support of civil partnerships, was well as for meeting with a group of Catholic homosexuals. At that time, he said he was "troubled" by the amount of focus people place on "sexual morality" while ignoring the "basic demands of the gospel, telling The Telegraph:

"The gospel has little to say about sexual behaviour and a lot more to say about justice and charity.”