Church of England pastor suspended for extramarital affair

Rev. Mark Bailey is suspended from the role of an ordained ministry by Bishop Rachel Treweek Wednesday, June 15 after a church proceeding of his extra-marital affair concluded.

The Church of England clergy decided that the behavior of Bailey, pastor at Cheltenham's Trinity Church, is "dishonouring to God and the Church."

In a statement released by The Diocese of Gloucester, Treweek announced that the Clergy Discipline Measure investigated the case of adultery committed by Bailey after Bailey himself instigated the investigation in January. The evangelical leader resigned as a Team Rector and relieved by the bishop from exercising his ministerial duties for two years.

In February, Bailey also resigned as New Wine movement's national director. He served for 27 years as an ordained ministry, including 20 years as Rector of Cheltenham Trinity.

"In imposing this penalty I have sought to acknowledge God's grace whilst also taking into account the importance of living with consequences; and the need for deep inner reflection with a commitment to address the underlying issues of personal behavior," said Treweek. "All of this has been affirmed by Mark."

Early this year, Bailey announced on social media that he'll be taking some time off.

"It's time to put on my own oxygen mask now #pleasepray," he wrote on Twitter.

He also wrote as biography on his Twitter account, "Putting on my own oxygen mask, grateful for grace, pursuing transformation, rebuilding life, married to Kari, family man."

"Mistakes are proof that you are trying," he quoted on an Instagram account.

The 56-year-old pastor, who described himself as a family man, recently posted pictures on his Instagram account depicting a happy family time as Bailey vacationed with his wife and relatives in Lagos, Portugal. A picture of the suspended pastor and his 54-year-old wife, Karen, confirms she has taken him back. His affair is reportedly now non-existing.