Bishop of Arundel and Brighton resigns

(Vatican Radio) Bishop Kieran Conry has resigned his post as head of the English diocese of Arundel and Brighton. An official statement follows, below.

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The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton covering Surrey and Sussex has issued a statement following his resignation as Bishop of this diocese. This statement will be read in all churches of the Diocese this weekend:

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.

The Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, Cardinal VIncent Nichols, said, "This is a sad and painful moment. It makes clear that we are always a Church of sinners called to repentance and conversion and in need of God's mercy. All involved in this situation are much in my prayers today."