Church congregation is left stunned as vicar says: 'I quit'

A stunned congregation heard 61-year-old Mr Stratford announce his departure at a parish communion service, and his resignation takes effect from the end of this month.

The Bishop of Chichester, the Rt Rev John Hind, has issued a statement, which says: "The Rev Terry Stratford has resigned his incumbency in Ferring from the end of February, 2008, due to issues relating to financial mismanagement.

"There are no immediate plans concerning his incumbency, other than a interregnum process that will commence from that date."

A parishioner told the Herald he was at a communion service on Sunday, January 27, when Mr Stratford revealed his resignation.

"He stood up at the end of the service and read from a prepared statement," said the parishioner. "He said, 'Allegations of financial irregularities have been made against me and I have tendered my resignation to the Bishop of Chichester, to take effect at the end of February'."

The parishioner said Mr Stratford made no denial of the allegation, and one woman in the congregation cried out: "No".

Mr Stratford has been vicar of Ferring since 2000.

Another parishoner said a church sign had been daubed with graffiti referring to Mr Stratford.

A diocesan communications officer, Lisa Williamson, said Mr Stratford tendered his resignation to the bishop when they met at a pre-scheduled meeting, before Mr Stratford made his announcement at the village's St Andrew's Church.

Mrs Williamson said no other procedures would be instituted as a result of the issues leading to Mr Stratford's resignation.