THE Archdeacon of Salop within the diocese of Lichfield, the Ven. Paul Thomas, has resigned and been prohibited from ministry for 3 years, after admitting to “a transient, consensual but inappropriate relationship with a lady”, the diocesan Bishop, Dr Michael Ipgrave, has said.
In a press release published on Tuesday, Dr Ipgrave said that Archdeacon Thomas had been the topic of a criticism under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM), overseen on his behalf by the Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Revd Sarah Bullock.
This process has concluded. The Archdeacon had admitted to the connection, which was conducted “during 2022 and early 2023 whilst suffering post-Covid depression and spiritual exhaustion”, the statement said.
A penalty had been imposed on Archdeacon Thomas: his resignation and prohibition from ministry for 3 years.
Dr Ipgrave said: “I’m deeply grieved that Paul’s long service in ministry on this diocese, which I do know has been appreciated through the years by many individuals, including me, has been marred in this fashion.”
Prebendary Jo Farnworth and the Revd Mary Thomas had agreed to function Acting Archdeacons of Salop, along with their parish duties, “until a substantive appointment to the role of Archdeacon of Salop is made”, he said.
