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