Randy reverend banned from clergy for ‘dishonouring God’… but forgiving wife takes love rat back

A LOVE-rat pastor has been banned from the clergy for “dishonouring God”.

But randy reverend Mark Bailey has been taken back by his forgiving wife.

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Reverend Mark Bailey, who describes himself as a "family man", quit his role at Trinity Church in Cheltenham, Glos, in January after his secret relationship was exposed.

The disgraced 56-year-old, married to Karen, 54, was banned from operating as an ordained Church of England clergy member for two years.

But despite being ousted by the church, Rev Bailey, of Cheltenham, Glos, has been taken back by his wife.

A smiling photo of him on holiday with his wife and other relatives in Lagos, Portugal, was shared on Instagram earlier this week.

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Bishop of Gloucester, Rt Rev Rachel Treweek, who imposed the two-year penalty, described Rev Bailey's behaviour as "dishonouring to God and the Church".

She began investigating his "extramarital affair" - which has now ended - in January after a meeting which he instigated.

Bishop Treweek asked him to "step back from his ministry as Team Rector of Trinity Cheltenham and St Paul", which he did "of his own volition".

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The matter was then considered under the Clergy Discipline Measure.

Announcing her findings on Wednesday, Bishop Treweek said clergy are "expected to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct within their ministry".

Rev Bailey had been pastor at the church in Cheltenham, for more than 20 years and involved in ministry for more than 27 years.

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He was appointed the national director for New Wine, a UK-wide Christian fellowship which is working to "change the nation", in October 2013.

A Christian of more than 30 years, Rev Bailey, of Cheltenham, grew up in a Christian home and his father was a minister.

After withdrawing as leader of New Wine in January, Rev Bailey told friends on Instagram: "Mistakes are proof that you are trying."

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