Shock at city rector's resignation

Stunned friends and colleagues of Wolverhampton's Rector David Frith have today spoken of their sadness at his shock resignation.

The vicar in charge of Wolverhampton's biggest and oldest church, St Peter's, failed to turn up to a service on Sunday and instead the Bishop of Wolverhampton was forced to step in at the last minute.

It puts an end to the 42-year-old father-of-three's six-year stint at the head of the church.

Peter Morris, the choirmaster at St Peter's Church, said: "It's very sad because he has been wonderful.

"I've known him for about five years and he was an inspiration for us all, he will be a hard act to follow.

"He supported what we tried to do musically, and for that we will always be grateful." Councillor Neville Patten, leader of the city council, said: "From what I knew of him he was a very nice man and he was always keen to speak up for Wolverhampton and the people.

"I don't know why he quit and I suppose it's all speculation at the moment."

Rev Frith took over as the Rector of Wolverhampton following the retirement of Rev John Hall-Matthews in 2002.

In that time he made a big impact and had high hopes and ambitions for the future of the city.

He was at the forefront of the changing image of Wolverhampton's churches, with St Peter's leading the way with several schemes designed to draw in more people to boost a dwindling congregation.

He worked with several schools across the city on faith projects. He was also at the helm of plans to create a visitor centre at the church, to be created in the vestry.

With the help of £50,000 lottery cash, Mr Frith hoped it would include plasma screens and a mini-museum about the heritage of the church. Bishop of Wolverhampton, Clive Gregory, stood in for Mr Frith during a service he was due to lead on Sunday and told the congregation about his shock resignation.

"David understands the disturbance and difficulty that his sudden resignation causes, and he has expressed his deep regret for this," he said.

"He says he has been receiving professional support to help find healing for personal issues he has been trying to deal with from his early life and says the emotional and mental energy needed for that particular inner journey left him with insufficient capacity to fulfil his daily responsibilities as Team Rector of Central Wolverhampton."