Vicar quits after “sex acts and inappropriate texts” with parishioner’s wife

A vicar has resigned over an affair with a parishioner’s wife involving “sex acts and inappropriate texts”.

Widower the Rev John Girtchen, 66, was suspended on full pay two years ago but kept on seeing her.

He remained in his vicarage as the Church sought a resolution with him but is now moving out after agreeing to quit, the Mirror understands.

Leaders called his conduct with the married mum “contrary to Church teaching on marriage”.

His lover’s identity was not revealed.

A local in his parish, Barrow and Goxhill, Lincs, said: “It was hushed up in the village.”

The vicar’s wife, Sue, died of cancer in 2017 and he worked with his lover at one of his two churches.

His diocese began an inquiry after the woman’s husband discovered the fling and complained in February 2018.

Acting Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Rev Dr David Court, said in a statement: “The complaint was over sex acts and texts of an inappropriate nature with a married person with whom he had a professional relationship.”

Mr Girtchen also agreed to a four-year ban as a priest.