Bishop Kieran Conry

Lourdes 2012, Bishop Kieran Conry in happier times

Three days ago our bishop resigned, admitting that he had been ‘unfaithful’ to his vows as a Catholic priest. Kieran Conry, Bishop of Arundel & Brighton diocese since 2001, has been accused of affairs with two women.

His confession generated a firestorm of press comment - including more than 100 website references by Google News!

Two contrasting views of the Bishop emerge.

According to some press sources, he was dictatorial in enforcing a liberal agenda, had no time for traditional Latin masses or music, held liberal positions on other subjects and met with groups who questioned official Church teaching. The bishop was most recently reported as saying that it had been difficult keeping his ‘secret’, that he had not prioritised sexual morality in his sermons, and did not think people would say that he had been a bad bishop. However, some regarded these comments as fuel to the flames, evidence that he was minimising his transgressions; they also pointed out that his confession was involuntary, forced by a national newspaper’s decision to publish the details last Sunday of his most recent alleged relationship.     

On the other hand, there are the views of many of the ordinary faithful of Arundel & Brighton Diocese. Here, the impression - based upon the dozen or so folk in Brighton Diocese that I have spoken with – was one of immediate shock, even hurt – but generally followed by a wave of sympathy, concern and sadness. Many commented that the requirement for priestly celibacy was a Herculean task – even for a Bishop. Not everyone warmed to the late Bishop as a person, he was ‘hard to get to know’ and some thought he was neither experienced enough nor particularly suited to the bishopric role, although many also treasured his various substantial contributions, his approachability and his gift for the apt comment or tribute.

In the days and months to come the diocese will have to address areas that the bishop was intimately involved with and where his absence will leave a large hole, for example, the annual Lourdes Pilgrimage and the Diocesan Jubilee in July 2015.

Remember the good times, and, in your charity, pray for everyone affected, the individuals directly involved, the priests of A&B, the deacons, religious, those in training, parishioners ...and Kieran Conry himself (Romans 3:23).