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Bishop resigns after speculation Bishop resigns after speculation
(30 minutes later)
The Bishop of St Davids, the Right Reverend Carl Cooper has resigned after weeks of intense media speculation over the breakdown of his marriage.The Bishop of St Davids, the Right Reverend Carl Cooper has resigned after weeks of intense media speculation over the breakdown of his marriage.
In a Church in Wales statement, the bishop, who had been on a leave of absence, apologised for "any of his actions that have caused offence".In a Church in Wales statement, the bishop, who had been on a leave of absence, apologised for "any of his actions that have caused offence".
He said this had made it impossible for him to continue as Bishop of St Davids.He said this had made it impossible for him to continue as Bishop of St Davids.
The Archbishop of Wales accepted the resignation as being in the best interests of the diocese and church.The Archbishop of Wales accepted the resignation as being in the best interests of the diocese and church.
In March, Bishop Cooper took a leave of absence from the office which covers Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and parts of Powys.In March, Bishop Cooper took a leave of absence from the office which covers Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and parts of Powys.
Some members of the diocese had called for an investigation into his conduct following concerns over the speculation which surrounded the breakdown of his marriage of 25 years to his wife Joy in February.Some members of the diocese had called for an investigation into his conduct following concerns over the speculation which surrounded the breakdown of his marriage of 25 years to his wife Joy in February.
Both stressed at the time that no-one else was involved on either side and the split was described as "amicable".Both stressed at the time that no-one else was involved on either side and the split was described as "amicable".
But clergy were also urged to sign a letter of support for Bishop Cooper by the Reverend Canon Michael Butler and fellow members of the Deanery of Narberth.But clergy were also urged to sign a letter of support for Bishop Cooper by the Reverend Canon Michael Butler and fellow members of the Deanery of Narberth.
Bishop Cooper's chaplain, the Reverend Mandy Williams Potter, had said rumours about their relationship were false.Bishop Cooper's chaplain, the Reverend Mandy Williams Potter, had said rumours about their relationship were false.
Mrs Williams Potter, who was also Bishop Cooper's communications officer, previously said newspaper speculation had been very distressing for both families. She has taken a leave of absence.Mrs Williams Potter, who was also Bishop Cooper's communications officer, previously said newspaper speculation had been very distressing for both families. She has taken a leave of absence.
Four senior clergy from the diocese of St Davids said the announcement would enable them to move on and "focus on the many positive aspects of the diocese's vocation and ministry".
In a joint statement, the clergy said: "The events of recent months have weighed heavily on so many people in the diocese and we continue to hold them in prayer."
Bishop Cooper, who has three children aged 22, 20 and 17, took up his post in St Davids in 2002.Bishop Cooper, who has three children aged 22, 20 and 17, took up his post in St Davids in 2002.