Bishop of St Davids resigns
The Carmarthen Journal of 30 April 2008 reported that the 127th Bishop of St Davids, the Rt Rev Carl Cooper, had announced his resignation the previous day.
He had been on leave since March after allegations were made about the nature of his relationship with his communications officer the Rev Mandy Williams-Potter.
In February, the 47-year-old bishop and his wife Joy announced they were separating after 25 years of marriage, and in March 38-year-old Mrs Williams-Potter confirmed she was separating from her husband, Chris.
Both the Bishop and Mrs Williams-Potter, also on leave of absence, said there were no other parties involved in their marriage splits.
A spokeswoman for the Church in Wales said:
“He has apologised for any of his actions that have caused offence and made it impossible for him to continue his ministry as Bishop of St Davids.
“The Archbishop and the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales have accepted the resignation as being in the best interests of the diocese and the Church in Wales at this time.”
Following the resignation senior clergy of the diocese issued a joint statement which said:
“This has been a difficult time for the Diocese of St Davids. Bishop Carl’s announcement now enables us to move on and to focus on the many positive aspects of the diocese’s vocation and ministry. The events of recent months have weighed heavily on so many people in the diocese and we continue to hold them in prayer.”
Until an electoral college meets to decide upon a new bishop, the diocese of St Davids comes under the responsibility of the Archbishop.
Rev Mandy Williams-Potter and Bishop Carl Cooper
Page added Thursday May 01, 2008