Flag-burning rector Kingsley Sutton appointed to new parish

Rev Kingsley Sutton was in charge of St Patrick’s and St Mary’s churches in Newry last October when he took down the flags which he subsequently destroyed.

At the time, a CoI spokesman said the rector had been asked to “step back from ministry” after acting “against the clear instruction of the bishop in removing” the flags.

Announcing the new appointment, Bishop of Cork, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, said Rev Sutton would take up the post of rector at Kilgariffe Union of Parishes, centred on the west Cork town of Clonakilty.

In a statement on the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross website, Bishop Colton said: “I am pleased that the Board of Nomination are giving him that opportunity. I know that he will receive a warm and encouraging welcome in Kilgariffe Parish.”

Bishop Colton added: “We also look forward to welcoming him and his family to the Diocese, and to supporting Kingsley in this new beginning in ministry.”