Plymouth bishop-elect steps back amid Church investigation

Canon Christopher Whitehead served as a priest in the Diocese of Clifton, in Bristol

Ordination of the next Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth will not take place as expected amid an internal investigation, it has been announced.

Canon Christopher Whitehead has "stepped back from active ministry" as a canonical process continues said a statement by the Church.

The ceremony had been due to take place on 22 February

The bishop-elect was formerly a priest in the Diocese of Clifton, in Bristol.

A statement from the diocese said: "The Episcopal Ordination of Canon Christopher Whitehead will not take place on 22 February 2024 as expected.

"Canon Paul Cummins continues as the 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 Diocese of Plymouth covers Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.

It has 67 parishes, stretching from Penzance and the Isles of Scilly in the west, to parts of Bournemouth in Dorset.