Bishop quits post after marriage break-up

A CHURCH of Ireland bishop has quit after separating from his wife.

Yesterday’s resignation of the Right Reverend Peter Barrett, the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, was announced by the Archbishop of Dublin.

In a statement, the bishop said: “Following a period of rest and reflection in the midst of deep personal struggle, I regret very much to inform you that I am no longer able to cherish my marriage with the love my supportive wife, Anne, so deserves.

“As a result I shall be separating from her of my own volition. Consequently, I am unable in all conscience to serve you as bishop with integrity and His Grace, the Archbishop of Dublin, has accepted my resignation.”

Bishop Barrett, a father of three, said it had been a privilege to serve the Church of Ireland.

He said: “The clergy of the see have been a joy to minister amongst as their pastor alongside their faithful parishioners and the entire community of Kilkenny College.

“To each and to all, I ask your forgiveness.”

He did not disclose the reason for his marriage break-up, but the statement continued: “Above all, it is to my wife and children, who have to bear the burdens of anger, disappointment and pain, that I profess my profound sorrow.

“The members of the family and friendship circles also suffered grievously.

“I do hope that, as a family, we shall be afforded space to deal with our shattered emotions as we try to rebuild our lives in the context of an uncertain future.”

Bishop Barrett was born in Dublin in 1946 and educated at the city’s Trinity College.

He was ordained in 1981 to serve as a curate in Limavady, County Derry, in the diocese of Derry and Raphoe.

A former rector of St George’s city centre parish in Belfast, he also served as a minor canon in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin in 1994.

In 1994 the archbishop of Dublin appointed him as a chaplain at Trinity College.

In 1998 he was installed as a dean of Waterford and rector of a group of parishes there.

His wife, Anne, is employed as a social work team leader with mental health services in the South-Eastern Health Board.

In January 2003 he was consecrated as the bishop of Cashel and Ossory at a ceremony attended by Anglicans and other Christian church leaders from around the world.

A hockey enthusiast, the former bishop represented Leinster and Ireland at various levels and is a qualified hockey umpire.