Ely verger quit over confessed affair

The head verger of one of Britain's most historic cathedrals resigned after confessing to an adulterous affair with the organist's wife.

Malcolm Johnson, who is married, had an 18-month romance with Sally Trepte, wife of Ely Cathedral's director of music. When the affair was about to become public Mr Johnson resigned "as a lesser evil than instant dismissal". Senior clergy said his behaviour had undermined Christian morality, and made his position "untenable".

Mr Johnson, who is in his 40s, had his claim for unfair dismissal thrown out by an industrial tribunal because he had resigned. But the tribunal panel criticised the haste with which senior figures at Ely Cathedral had acted once the affair became public.

Ms Trepte , who refused to discuss the affair yesterday and was back living at her family home next to the cathedral, broke off the 18-month affair after Mr Johnson's resignation.

Mr Johnson claimed he was forced to resign after talks with his immediate boss, Canon Michael Green, last September. But the tribunal said it would have ruled his conduct was the sole cause of his dismissal and refused him any compensation.

In his ruling, tribunal chairman Michael Haynes said: "[Mr Johnson] knew and accepted that his conduct could result in his dismissal at some stage."

The cathedral's Dean, the Very Rev Michael Higgins, told a tribunal hearing in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, last month: "Anyone who works for the Church knows there are traditions and Christian principles to be observed. It is not necessary to spell it out."

The Dean admitted the cathedral had originally tried to gloss over Mr Johnson's departure, saying it was for health reasons. "He was offered a good package to go ... because no-one wants to see these affairs laundered in public,' said the Dean. "I found it quite amazing that within a fortnight he had issued these proceedings."

Mr Johnson, who is not a priest, but lived in a cathedral-owned property, refused to comment after the tribunal.