A VICAR who is stepping down from his role in North Wales amid a 'toxic situation' says it has been an 'enormous privilege' to have served the community.
Father Dominic Cawdell, as well as wardens and church officers, are among those leaving the Holywell and Greenfield Churches community.
He sent a letter of resignation as vicar of those areas to the Bishop of St. Asaph in May.
A post, now deleted, from the Holywell and Greenfield Churches Facebook page stated that the 'situation has become toxic for everyone involved' and 'there seems to be no clear end in sight'.
Father Cawdell, who has decided to step down for 'the sake of his physical and mental wellbeing', held his final service at St. Peter's Church on Sunday (June 29).
According to the Facebook page, the church was 'completely full' as people gathered to wish the vicar all the best in future after he served five years in the community.
After the service, those present shared a joyful lunch and presented gifts and more words of thanks.
In a letter published to the Holywell and Greenfield Churches Facebook page, Father Cawdell said it has been an 'enormous privilege' to serve the community.
The letter read: "I have received literally thousands of letters, emails, cards and messages - all of them so supportive - and I really want you to know that they are as much yours as they are mine."
It adds; "Everything that has been achieved over these years has been achieved because we have worked together.
"In time, a new priest will come to serve Holywell and Greenfield and they will have different priorities, strengths and weaknesses to me - embrace that, give them your full support and encourage them in their demanding ministry.
"I have loved being your priest and I count it as enormous privilege to have lived and served amongst you."
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