October 10 | 0 COMMENTS print
Pope accepts Bishop Conry’s resignation
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton.
Bishop Kieran Conry (above) tendered his resignation to the Pope after admitting to being ‘unfaithful to (his) promises as a Catholic priest.’ The departing bishop has also apologised for the ‘shame that I have brought on the diocese and the Church.’
Over the weekend letters written by Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark and Cardinal Emeritus Cormac Murphy O’Connor were read out during Masses in Arundel and Brighton.
Archbishop Smith told parishioners the news had been a ‘great shock and was very distressing.’
“My heart goes out to you at this difficult time, and I just wanted to write and let you know that I have offered Mass for you and all those hurt or distressed by Bishop Kieran’s actions,” he said. “I will be keeping you and all those involved in my prayers in the coming weeks and months as you continue your preparations to celebrate the golden jubilee of the diocese next year.”
Cardinal Emeritius Murphy O’Connor said he wanted the people Arundel and Brighton Diocese ‘to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.’
“The resignation of Bishop Kieran and the events accompanying it have been a great shock and sadness to us all,” he said. “As it happens, I know Bishop Kieran had intended a letter about the Church to be read out to you today. In it he says: ‘The Church is what joins us to Christ and builds and supports that relationship. It is also what binds us to one another. It is where we find healing and forgiveness. It is where we find support and encouragement.’”
The cardinal added ‘we all need that healing and forgiveness as Bishop Kieran does at this time.
“I know that you will pray for Bishop Kieran as he seeks God’s guidance for the time ahead, and for all those who have been hurt by these events,” he added.
Speaking to a Sunday newspaper, the former bishop said he would like to remain a priest if possible.
—Read the full version of this story in October 10 edition of the SCO in parishes from Friday.