In a rare move the former head of the Anglican Church in Wellington has surrendered his licence as a priest.
Bishop Tom Brown told The Dominion Post yesterday he voluntarily gave up his right to officiate earlier this month “to be loyal to the church and maintain the church’s integrity”.
The announcement comes amid speculation surrounding the 69-year-old’s split with wife Dwyllis Brown.
Members of the church community are said to be “deeply shocked and feel a bit let down” at Dr Brown’s decision, which comes only six months after he retired as Bishop of Wellington, a position he held since he was elected in 1998.
Based on what little we know, this seems a courageous thing to do.
I think we all have to ask ourselves whether in similar circumstances we would consider and indeed take such a step.
But there must be more to the story than this?