Mark Bailey has resigned as national director of the Church of England’s leading network of evangelical and charismatic parishes after proceedings under the Clergy Disciplinary Measure were initiated. 

The Rev. Mark Bailey has resigned as national director of the Church of England’s New Wine network of evangelical and charismatic parishes after proceedings under the Clergy Disciplinary Measure were initiated. Last week Mr. Bailey met with his bishop, the Rt. Rev. Rachel Treweek, and following the meeting he stepped down as Team Rector of Trinity Cheltenham — one of the most successful parishes in the Church of England — and as leader of New Wine.

In a statement released on 31 Jan 2016 the trustees of New Wine said that it was with “the greatest sadness and regret” that they had accepted his resignation from the board of trustees and the group’s leadership team.

“This follows a recent meeting, instigated by Mark that he had with Rachel Treweek, The Bishop of Gloucester at which he stepped back from his ministry as Team Rector of Trinity Cheltenham. In a statement to the church she says ‘While I can’t go into any detail, I can tell you that this relates to a matter now being considered under the Clergy Discipline Measure. This is not a matter involving the police or other statutory agencies. Further information will be made available at the appropriate time.’ The Trustees appreciate this is due process in the Church of England.” the statement said.

“Please pray for Mark and Karen, their family and friends and for everyone at Trinity, Cheltenham as they cope with the shock and pain of this.”, the New Wine statement said.

Appointed National Director of New Wine in September 2014, Mr. Bailey has served in the ordained ministry for 27 years, the last 20 as rector of Trinity Cheltenham. His resignation comes as a shock to the Church of England’s evangelical community, who took to the internet to express their sorrow, prayers and outrage. The Rev. John Coles, who served as national director from 2001 to 2014 has been appointed interim director of the network.