Bishop Michael Reid, 66, stunned his congregation by confessing during a sermon: “I have sinned.” The shamed preacher of the Peniel Church in Brentwood, Essex, had affairs with three women connected to the church.
The former police officer turned insurance salesman was made a bishop by the International Communion of Charismatic Churches in Nigeria in 1995. He founded the Peniel Church in 1976.
Reid admitted an affair with his ex-personal assistant and choir mistress Sheila Graziano, which she claimed lasted eight years.
The minister also confessed to a 13-year “sexual relationship” with a Ms X but later denied it, an east London employment tribunal was told. A third anonymous woman revealed further sexual allegations.
Tribunal chairman Michael Haynes described the bishop as “forceful” and “abrasive” as he refused the claim saying his behaviour was utterly contrary to his church’s teachings.
Reid’s wife Ruth’s case for unfair dismissal, sexual discrimination and breach of contract was thrown out earlier this year. She started the church with her husband. Reid took the church’s board members to the tribunal.