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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Archbishop steps down over health | Archbishop steps down over health |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| The Archbishop of Southwark has resigned from his post with "great sadness" because of ill health. | The Archbishop of Southwark has resigned from his post with "great sadness" because of ill health. |
| Archbishop Kevin McDonald has had a triple heart bypass and also suffers from severe osteoarthritis. He is to undergo further surgery in 2010. | Archbishop Kevin McDonald has had a triple heart bypass and also suffers from severe osteoarthritis. He is to undergo further surgery in 2010. |
| He took up the post at the Roman Catholic archdiocese, which covers south London and parts of Kent, in December 2003. | |
| Bishop John Hine will take charge until a new archbishop is appointed. | |
| Over the last two years, illl health had prevented Archbishop McDonald from visiting parishes in his dioceses and admitted his resignation was a "very difficult decision." | Over the last two years, illl health had prevented Archbishop McDonald from visiting parishes in his dioceses and admitted his resignation was a "very difficult decision." |
| He said: "I feel great sadness at having to relinquish my post as Archbishop of Southwark. | He said: "I feel great sadness at having to relinquish my post as Archbishop of Southwark. |
| "Although I have had to contend with illness over the last three years, this appointment has been a great grace." | "Although I have had to contend with illness over the last three years, this appointment has been a great grace." |