Woman minister quits over affair

A female Church of Scotland minister who was accused of having an affair with a married church elder has agreed to resign.

The Rev Helen Percy, 32, minister for six parishes in Angus, Perthshire, also agreed to seek counselling, and she will not now be liable for a church trial. However, she could regain her position in the future if the Church's General Assembly believes she is able to resume her duties.

The allegations of sexual misconduct came to light when a woman wrote to the Moderator of the Presbytery of Angus, claiming that Miss Percy was having an affair with her 52-year-old son. She was suspended in July, but it was not until last month that she admitted the affair.