Arundel and Brighton Bishop resigns after ‘shaming’ church

The Rt Rev Kieran Conry, whose diocese covers both Sussex and Surrey, said he had been ‘unfaithful’ to his promises as a Catholic priest.

In a statement which was read out at church services over the weekend, Mr Conry did not specify in what way he had been unfaithful to his vows.

He did, however, say that his actions ‘were not illegal and did not involve minors’ leading to speculation from the national press that he had been involved in a romantic affair.

Mr Conry, 63, 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. “

He added: “I want to apologise to the individuals hurt by my actions and then to all of those inside and outside the diocese.

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

For the full story, see this week’s Littlehampton Gazette.