Vicar expelled from church for affair with parishioner

Rev Dr Chris Stuart, nicknamed the ‘Rambling Reverend’ because of the title of his blog, previously claimed in a post that a walking holiday made him “realise the things that were important in my life and crystallised the decision to resign in my mind”.

He also said he wanted to be able to spend more time caring for his wife who was suffering from anorexia.

However, a member of the church who wished to remain anonymous told The Daily Telegraph that Rev Stuart began an affair with a member of the congregation, in 2016, which he later fathered a child with.

The Diocese of Worcester has confirmed that the 43-year-old has been suspended from ministerial duties.

A spokesman said: “The Rev Dr Chris Stuart, Vicar of St John in Bedwardine and St Clement and Lower Broadheath was recently subject to a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure, of conduct unbecoming of a priest, having admitted adultery.

“As a result, Chris resigned his post and accepted a penalty of two years prohibition from ministry as a priest.”

Rev Stuart was curate at Pershore Abbey before taking the position at St John-in-Bedwardine Church, in Worcester, in October 2009.

The Diocese of Worcester started an investigation under the Clergy Discipline Measure when the alleged affair came to light.

It found him guilty of conduct “unbecoming of a priest”.

A vicar has been banned from the Church for two years after admitting he cheated on his wife with a parishioner.