By Rebecca Bull
This is the West Country
June 3, 2010
http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/8200035.Minehead_vicar_to_be_removed_from_office/
THE VICAR of Minehead is to be removed from office following his admission to allegations of an "improper relationship" with a married woman parishioner.
The Rev Simon Lloyd will be removed from office in September and his voluntary suspension, which began in March, will continue until then.
The announcement was made to congregations at two services at St Andrew's Church over the weekend.
The statement from The Archdeacon of Taunton, the Ven John Reed, to the parish church said Mr Lloyd would be prohibited from exercising any of the functions of his Orders as a Priest and Deacon for four years, from the date of his removal.
 |
| The Rev Simon Lloyd |
The Ven Reed's statement, said: "A considerable period of time has elapsed since this relationship came to light and a formal complaint was lodged and this placed church members, parishioners and all those concerned under much apprehension and uncertainty.
"It was right and necessary that the correct process was followed.
"Parishioners and church members have understood this with great forbearance and charity."
The statement concluded: "Mr Lloyd has served his church and the town of Minehead with great commitment and much love.
"Many people will be distressed by the cessation of his ministry but people also expect the highest standards from our clergy, consistent with the faith and teachings we profess."
John Andrews, communications officer for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, said the church would continue to offer the people of Minehead its normal pastrol care in the absence of Mr Lloyd.
Mr Lloyd, who has been in charge of Minehead parish for six years, could not be contacted.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.