From Epilepsy to Autism and Cerebral Palsy and LGBT Rights to The Episcopate – An Archbishop’s Journey

From Epilepsy to Autism and Cerebral Palsy and LGBT Rights to The Episcopate – An Archbishop’s Journey

This is a little unknown information about me, I decided to write a piece about my journey, it’s all true but I have not done this for any sympathy or recognition. It’s simply something I wanted to write as we very rarely find out information about a person and where they actually come from etc until they’ve long gone, so here goes.

In January of 2015 I was diagnosed with Grand Mal Epilepsy. This came completely out of the blue after I was taken into hospital after having had a seizure. Whilst in accident and emergency, I had another 2 seizures in quick succession. The third one nearly cost me my life!

I was already an ordained priest at the time, living in Blaenavon (South Wales). Instead of giving up and turning my back on the one vocation I loved, I fought a battle with my illness and in January of 2017 I was consecrated as The Bishop of the UK Missionary Diocese of Christ the King for the New Catholic Church International.

Not only this, but I was, after thirty something years diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy and also Autism which also affects my daily life sometimes. I have since then gone on to progress further to become a Metropolitan (Archbishop) of the United Kingdom for The Progressive Catholic Church.

I’m telling you this story to speak out against the hidden taboo in today’s society. The word epilepsy is seen as a swear word but I am proof that it’s not!

I am proud to nail my colours to the flag posts, so to speak and say yes, I am an epileptic, autistic, cerebral palsy suffering Independent Catholic Archbishop. Not only that, I am an openly gay married one too!

Without the support of my family and friends and the care from Epilepsy Wales, I would not have achieved my journey from Epilepsy to The Episcopate.

As I look back, it has been a journey of some high times and some times of incredibly testing times, but I’ve had my friends and colleagues to thank, as they’ve always been there to pick me up and dust me off when needed.

I also have held true to my belief in my religious beliefs and that has helped immensely too. I am a great believer that no matter how insurmountable the challenges may seem, you can overcome them.