Shock for parishioners as minister is suspended for affair with widow

Published on Wednesday 18 August 2010 17:13

A CHURCH of Scotland minister has been suspended after embarking on an affair with the widow of a man whose funeral he conducted.

The Rev Michael Erskine, a maarried father of two, of Crail and Kingsbarns Church in Fife will now be banned from the pulpit for at least two years.

Mr Erskine was suspended on Friday by the Judicial Commission of the Church of Scotland, which acts on behalf of the Church's highest court, the General Assembly.

However, it emerged yesterday that the decision had provoked a split in the Church, with the Kirk Session prepared to turn a blind eye to the relationship.

It is not known how long the affair had gone on, but details of the case were first reported to the Presbytery of St Andrews in the spring.

Mr Erskine is understood to be moving out of the manse in Crail, along with his teenage son and daughter.

He was at the manse yesterday but declined to speak to The Scotsman, referring calls to the Church.

A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: "Mr Erskine was suspended on Friday by the Judicial Commission. This is an immediate suspension.

"He had a relationship with a fellow parishioner. The charge is now declared vacant until another minister is appointed.

"Mr Erskine has been asked to leave the manse. The manse comes with the position, so as soon as he was suspended he would be required to leave.

"Mr Erskine has 28 days to appeal the decision, but none has been received at this time."

The news has shocked many in the East Neuk community of Fife. While some church-goers have expressed disappointment at the minister's actions, it is understood he had support from within the church.

Dr Jack Jarvis, Crail and District Community Council chairman, was among those speaking out for Mr Erskine.

He said: "It is shocking news which has, I think, upset a majority of the congregation who are very supportive of Mike. He has been a very active and deeply involved member of the community.

"There have been many letters written in support of Mike and, I understand, only a few against him. The majority of people in Crail feel he is the best parish minister we have had for 25 years for interacting with the community.

"People do feel that the decision to suspend Mike did not represent the general views of his congregation, many of whom support him and would like to see him remain in post.

"Mike is living apart from his wife, who has roots in Angus, I believe. He has a son and a daughter in their late teens who live with him. People who know them say they are very supportive of him.

"But he will be deprived of his livelihood and his home."

He added: "Mike has been quite open about this. I understand that about three months ago he stood up in church and said ‘I have separated from my wife'."

Rob Moodie, of Kingsbarns Community Council, added: "We are obviously concerned about the future of our local church and that it should continue to operate."

The congregations at Crail and Kingsbarns were informed of the suspension at the weekend by the moderator of the Presbytery of St Andrews, the Rev Ken Jeffrey, who read out a statement during Sunday service.

An interim moderator has been appointed to continue the services in the East Neuk parishes, as well as a locum for the day-to-day running of the churches.

Mr Erskine was put forward as the sole nominee as minister at the linked Church of Scotland congregations of Crail and Kingsbarns in 2002.