Tablet readers have been generous in their praise of the pastoral gifts of Kieran Conry, who has resigned as Bishop of Arundel and Brighton after admitting sexual misconduct. But there has to be a balance. Such behaviour can cause great distress and lasting emotional damage to the people immediately involved. It is by no means unknown for a member of the clergy to resign, often without warning or explanation. It is also not unusual for news to filter out weeks or months later that he has married the object of his secret affections. But there are many cases where this does not happen, and the woman involved is left emotionally stranded. This is not a subject much talked about. Perhaps the Bishop Conry case can break the taboo, which would be uncomfortable – but healthy. The classic s