Republican Controversy
On the announcement of the engagement of Prince William to Catherine Middleton, Broadbent openly declared on Facebook that he is a republican and predicted that the couple were "shallow celebrities" and would be "set up to fail by the gutter press", giving their marriage a mere seven years. He also called the Royal Family "philanderers" and said that the basis of the monarchy is "corrupt and sexist", while disparagingly referring to Prince William's parents, The Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales, as "Big Ears" and the "Porcelain Doll". His views were reported in various Sunday newspapers and were widely condemned. Conservative MP Nicholas Soames described Broadbent's comments as "extremely rude" and "not what one expects from a bishop".
Broadbent subsequently issued an apology for his remarks, but agreed to "withdraw from public ministry until further notice" on 23 November 2010. Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, said that he was "appalled" by Broadbent's comments and expressed his "dismay on behalf of the Church". It was announced on 10 January 2011 that Broadbent was to return to duty that day, both as Bishop of Willesden and Acting Bishop of Stepney. He remained as Acting Bishop of Stepney until 22 July 2011 (when the new bishop, Adrian Newman assumed the position).
Read more about this topic: Pete Broadbent
Famous quotes containing the words republican and/or controversy:
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