The Revd Paul Flowers

We have issued the following statement, which may beattributed to a Methodist Church spokesperson.

"We expect high standards of our ministers and we have proceduresin place for when ministers fail to meet thosestandards.

"Paul is suspended from duties for a period of threeweeks, pending investigations, and will not be available to carryout any ministerial work. We will also work with the police if theyfeel a crime has been committed."

We are also asking people to pray for all those involved in andaffected by this story. 


Paul also offers the following statement:

"This year has been incredibly difficult,  with a death inthe family and the pressures of my role with the Cooperative Bank.At the lowest point in this terrible period, I did things that werestupid and wrong. I am sorry for this, and I am seekingprofessional help, and apologise to all I have hurt or failed by myactions."

We will not make any further comment at this time, but will issuefurther statements as appropriate.