‘Minister who killed himself had 7 affairs’
A MARRIED minister who is thought to have killed himself has been posthumously accused by his wife of having seven affairs with members of his congregation on the Isle of Lewis.
The allegations by Anne Campbell, about the Rev Dr Iain D Campbell, are now under investigation by the Free Church of Scotland.
Dr Campbell, 53, was taken to hospital in Stornoway at the end of January. At the time this was reported as a heart attack, but it has now emerged that it may have been a drug overdose.
He is believed to have hanged himself while in hospital.
Dr Campbell was a wellrespected clergyman who was known as a talented preacher and accomplished theologian. The couple have three adult children.
Fellow Isle of Lewis minister, the Rev James Maciver, who conducted Dr Campbell’s funeral, told The Daily Telegraph: “There are certain processes under way. At the moment we’re just investigating. We’re obliged as a church not to cover things up.”
In a statement, a spokesman said: “We can confirm that the Free Church of Scotland is investigating allegations made in connection with the late Rev Dr Iain D Campbell.
“The Western Isles Presbytery is taking these allegations very seriously and is acting on them in accordance with the stated practice of the Free Church of Scotland.”
A church source previously told the Daily Mail that the allegations had been made by Dr Campbell’s wife.
“There was never a whisper of a rumour about affairs until after he died,” the source added.
A spokesman for Mrs Campbell said: “The family has lost a husband and father. This is a personal matter and the family has requested that they be allowed to grieve in private.”