FROM epilepsy to the Episcopate - A Bishop’s Journey.
In January of 2015 I was diagnosed with grand mal epilepsy, completely out of the blue after being taken into hospital after having a seizure, and whilst in accident and emergency I had another two seizures in quick succession of the first.
The third one nearly cost me my life, I was already an ordained priest at the time living in Blaenavon (South Wales) but instead of giving up and turning my back on the one vocation I loved I fought a battle with my illness and earlier on this year in January 2017 I was consecrated as the Bishop of the UK Missionary Diocese of Christ the King.
Not only this but I was after thirty something years diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy which also affects my daily life sometimes.
I am telling this story to speak out against the hidden taboo in todays society the word epilepsy is seen as a swear word but I am proof that its not.
I am proud to nail my colours to the flag post as so to speak and say yes
I am an epileptic Independent Catholic Bishop.
Not only that I am an openly gay, married one too.
Without the support of my family and friends and the care from Epilepsy Wales I would not have achieved my journey from epilepsy to The Episcopate.
Rt Reverend Ryan Cleminson
Goodrich Court
Llanyravon
Cwmbran
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