Bishop of Arundel and Brighton Resigns, Apologises for Being "Unfaithful to Vows"

By Christopher Lamb
The Tablet
September 27, 2014

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/1217/0/bishop-of-arundel-and-brighton-resigns-apologises-for-being-unfaithful-to-vows-

The Bishop of Arundel and Brighton has announced his resignation, saying he had been "unfaithful" to his promises as a priest.

According to The Mail on Sunday newspaper, the bishop said his resignation was connected to a relationship with a woman, and that the relationship had taken place six years ago.

The newspaper also claimed the bishop had been involved in a separate relationship with a married mother of two. The paper says it has uncovered a love letter allegedly written by Bishop Conry, and photos of him and the woman together. But there is no evidence that this was a sexual relationship and Bishop Conry stresses his resignation is not connected to it. The husband of the mother of two has recently filed for divorce.

Bishop Conry, 63, was a leading figure in the English and Wales hierarchy, leading the Church's evangelisation office. Before his appointment as a bishop he ran the bishops' media office, where he was credited with improving the relationship between the Church and journalists.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops Conference of England amd Wales, said: “This is a sad and painful moment. All involved are much in my prayers."

His statement of resignation will be read across parishes at Mass today:

Statement by Bishop Kieran Conry

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.