An Anglican rector is to be defrocked over his affair with a married parishioner. The Rev Clifford Williams (49) yesterday became the first priest in the Church in Wales to be stripped of his office. A father of three, he is also being given notice to leave his rectory at Benllech, Anglesey, and he will lose his £13,000-a-year income.
Last month, a church provincial court found him guilty of adultery. His former lover, Ms Iris Green, told how Mr Williams pursued her after she ended their affair. His estranged wife, Ms Gwenda Clifford, said she would divorce him.
The Bishop of Bangor, the Right Rev Barry Morgan, yesterday announced his decision to expel Mr Williams from the clergy. "I believe that if he were to exercise a public ministry in the Church, Mr Williams would be a danger to those entrusted to his care," the Bishop said. Bishop Morgan claimed Mr Williams had lied under oath and had not once expressed any regret or remorse. A church helpline has been set up for parishioners in Benllech, several of whom have expressed their continuing support for Mr Williams.
Last night, Mr Williams said he would fight on. "My immediate aim at the moment is to clear my name. That is what we are working for and aiming for."