Methodist minister Paul Flowers 'suspended indefinitely'

Rev Paul Flowers said he was seeking professional help (Photo: The Co-operative Bank)

The Reverend Paul Flowers, formerly chairman of the Co-operative Bank, was suspended from his duties for three weeks by the Methodist Church earlier this week following reports that he bought and used illegal drugs including crystal meth and crack cocaine.

Yesterday, the Methodist Church confirmed that Mr Flowers has now been "suspended indefinitely" as part of the complaints and discipline process.

"We always wait for any police investigation or court proceedings to conclude before moving forward...there will be no further action until then," the statement reads.

The Daily Mail released a video last Sunday apparently showing Mr Flowers spending £300 in a drugs deal, in addition to a series of text messages he sent allegedly boasting of drug use and holding "drug fuelled" parties.

It has since emerged that the openly-gay Mr Flowers resigned from his position as Labour councillor in Bradford in 2011 after "inappropriate but not illegal adult content" was found on his computer.

Prime Minister David Cameron has questioned Mr Flowers' suitability for the role of Co-op bank chairman and his position as Labour councillor, claiming that leaders must have known about Flowers' indiscretions.

"Why weren't alarm bells rung earlier, particularly by those who knew?" he asked in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Labour leader Ed Miliband has said he is "utterly confident" about his party's actions, however, and has assured that Labour have acted with "complete integrity".

This revelation about Mr Flowers has come as a shock to the Methodist community, but a spokesperson has said that he is receiving pastoral care, and has once again called for prayers for all those involved.

News
Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK
Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK

An evangelical church leader has welcomed national polling pointing to a more open spiritual landscape in the UK, as churches prepare for a nationwide mission effort in the run-up to Easter 2026.

CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya
CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya

Additions to the Church's calendar are rare.

Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings
Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings

Church of England's Living in Love and Faith process is to formally conclude in July.

On miracles
On miracles

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on the meaning of a miracle.