Statement from Bishop-elect Philip Moger – 24th February 2025
“At the beginning of November 2024, just before I was to begin my ministry in Plymouth, I let it be known that concerns of a personal nature had been raised, to which I had to attend immediately. This has taken longer than I anticipated.
All things considered, I have come to the decision to present to the Holy Father a request to step down from my appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth. The Holy Father has accepted my request.
For the immediate future, I will be taking a sabbatical: a time of prayer and personal reflection, the next stage on the journey of my ministry.
I realise, with regret, that this leaves a continuing vacancy in the Diocese of Plymouth. I assure the lay faithful, clergy and religious of the Diocese of my good wishes and prayers, and ask the same of them for me.”
Canon Paul Cummins, our Diocesan Administrator, has asked that parishioners be reassured that the life of the Diocese will carry on as before, and that he will continue in his role as Diocesan Administrator until such time as a new bishop is appointed. Please pray for him.
Please continue to keep Bishop Philip in your prayers particularly at this time, and please pray for those who will be a part of the selection process for our new bishop.