Pastor resigns post over adultery

A church leader has "stepped down" from pastoral duties after admitting he had committed adultery.

Michael Reid, 64, founder of an evangelical church in Brentwood, Essex, told followers he had "sinned".

A spokesman for the Peniel Pentecostal Church said Mr Reid had resigned and was spending a period of "reflection".

"(He) tendered his resignation from the church board and stepped down from pastoral duties in the church," the spokesman said.

"The reason is that he has sinned by committing adultery and he has unreservedly apologised for what he had done and has taken full responsibility for his actions.

"He has gone away with his wife for a time of reflection."