In an unprecedented move, the bishops of England and Wales have cancelled the ordination of the Bishop-elect of Plymouth just weeks before his installation Mass.
Canon Christopher Whitehead, a priest of the Diocese of Clifton, has also been suspended from active ministry while “a canonical process is under way”.
The bishops’ conference refused to give any further explanation for the sudden and mysterious cancellation of the ordination beyond a short statement.
A spokesperson said: “The episcopal ordination of Canon Christopher Whitehead will not take place on 22 February 2024 as expected.
“Canon Paul Cummins continues as the (Plymouth) diocesan administrator.
“A canonical process is currently underway, and no further comments will be made until this has been concluded.
“Canon Christopher Whitehead has stepped back from active ministry whilst this process is ongoing.”
The 54-year-old priest was named 10<sup>th</sup> bishop of Plymouth by Pope Francis shortly before Christmas, ending a wait of more than 18 months for a replacement for Mark O’Toole after his elevation to Archbishop of Cardiff and Menevia.
Bishop-elect Whitehead was a popular and highly-respected parish priest in Bath and had also worked as Clifton’s director of Adult Education, director of ongoing formation of priests, and director of formation for the permanent diaconate.
At the time of his appointment he said he wished to be “a gentle shepherd to God’s people and a loving father to those I have been called to serve – wanting to ensure that the Church in the Diocese of Plymouth continues to be a safe and welcoming space for all”.
Bishop-elect Whitehead was born in Gloucester in August 1969, the eldest of three brothers, and studied for the priesthood at St Mary’s, Oscott, Birmingham, after leaving school in 1987.
He was ordained priest in 1994 and has served in parishes in Bath, Swindon, Bristol, Warminster and Stroud.
The Diocese of Plymouth principally covers the counties of Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.
<em>(Photo: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk)</em>
