UNITED KINGDOM
Christianity Today
The Catholic Bishop of Arundel and Brighton has resigned after close relationships with parishioners, including one with a married woman.
Kieran Conry, head of evangelisation for the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales and the church’s former head of media, said in a statement read out in all churches in his diocese at Mass this weekend, said: “I am sorry to confess that, going back some years, I have been unfaithful to my promises as a Catholic priest. I would like to reassure you that my actions were not illegal and did not involve minors.
“As a result, however, I have decided to offer my resignation as bishop with immediate effect and will now take some time to consider my future.
“I want to apologise first of all to the individuals hurt by my actions and then to all of those inside and outside the diocese who will be shocked, hurt and saddened to hear this.
“I am sorry for the shame that I have brought on the diocese and the Church and I ask for your prayers and forgiveness.”
After the statement appeared on his website, detailed allegations were published by the Mail on Sunday in which it became clear the newspaper had been investigating him for several months and that the priestly vow the bishop admits to having broken is that of chastity.
The Mail on Sunday reports the resignation today and discloses that Bishop Conry has had a close friendship with a married mother of two. The Bishop denies that this was a sexual relationship. He has resigned over a separate relationship that he had six years ago.
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