English bishop resigns, admits misconduct

September 29, 2014

An English bishop has unexpectedly announced his resignation, admitting that he had been “unfaithful to my promises as a Catholic priest.”

Bishop Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton did not specify the nature of his misconduct, except to assure the faithful that his actions “were not illegal and did not involve minors.” He asked forgiveness of those who were hurt by his actions and those who would be shocked by his confession.

Having tendered his resignation, Bishop Conry—who at the age of 63 was still 12 years short of ordinary retirement age—said that he will now “take some time to consider my future.”

Bishop Conry had served for years as private secretary to the apostolic nuncio in the UK, and later was chief spokesman for the bishops’ conference of England and Wales. He was named Bishop of Arundel and Brighton by Pope John Paul II in 2001.

During his term in episcopal office, Bishop Conry had admitted to doubts about Church teaching on contraception, declined to defend the all-male priesthood, and questioned the wisdom of encouraging the traditional Latin liturgy. He once asserted: “You can’t talk to young people about salvation,” saying that the Church could be more attractive to youth by speaking out about “saving the planet.”

 

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Further information:

• English bishop announces shock resignation (Catholic Herald)
• English bishop questions Church teaching in candid interview (CWN)
• no comment (Off the Record)