A Church of Ireland bishop has resigned after separating from his wife. The resignation of the Right Rev Peter Barrett, the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, was announced by the Archbishop of Dublin.
In a statement, the bishop said: "Following a period of rest and reflection in the midst of deep personal struggle, I regret very much to inform you that I am no longer able to cherish my marriage with the love my supportive wife, Anne, so deserves.
"As a result I shall be separating from her of my own volition. Consequently, I am unable in all conscience to serve you as Bishop with integrity and his Grace, the Archbishop of Dublin, has accepted my resignation."
The Archbishop of Dublin Dr John Neill said he accepted the resignation "with great saddnes".
"Bishop Peter could not sustain his ministry among you in view of the direction that his life has taken. As our prayerful love and concern is expressed for Peter, our thoughts and prayers are equally strong for Anne, his wife, and for his family," Dr Neill said.
He announced the Venerable Paul Mooney the Venerable John Murray would take up Rev Barrett's duties until a new bishop has been appointed.
Bishop Barrett, a father-of-three, said it had been a privilege to serve the Church of Ireland.
"The clergy of the See have been a joy to minister amongst as their pastor alongside their faithful parishioners and the entire community of Kilkenny College. To each and to all, I ask your forgiveness."
He did not disclose the reason for his marriage break-up, but the statement continued: "Above all, it is to my wife and children, who have to bear the burdens of anger, disappointment and pain, that I profess my profound sorrow.
Bishop Barrett was born in Dublin in 1946 and educated at the city's Trinity College. He was ordained in 1981 to serve as a curate in Limavady, in the diocese of Derry and Raphoe.
A former rector of St George's city centre parish in Belfast, he also served as a minor canon in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin in 1994.
He was then appointed chaplain at Trinity College.
PA