Bishop of Durham speaks of his 'hell'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE NEW Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Michael Turnbull, has been going through 'a kind of hell' after revelations that he was convicted of an act of gross indecency 26 years ago, a friend said yesterday, writes Graham Moorby.
The Dean of Durham, the Very Rev John Arnold, also reopened the debate on the bishop's future by claiming he had been considering resigning since the conviction was revealed by a Sunday newspaper last week.
Interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Sunday programme, the dean was asked if the bishop was considering resignation.
He replied: 'Obviously he has been considering it. The thought has been going through his mind.'
Last night, the dean said that he did not think that the bishop had ruled out resigning. But a spokesman for the Rt Rev Turnbull said he would not resign and was looking forward to starting his new job on 22 October.
The dean's comments were the first suggestion that the bishop might be contemplating standing down from his post, which he took over from Dr David Jenkins.
The bishop, who is married with three grown-up daughters, was convicted of an act of gross indecency with a Yorkshire farmer in 1968. Speaking of the bishop's ordeal, the dean said: 'He's been having a very rough time.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments