A COMMUNITY has spoken of its shock at revelations that a well-respected former minister was caught buying and using Class A drugs. The Reverend Paul Flowers, 63, who once served Bridlington Methodist Church, has apologised to "all I have hurt or failed by my actions" after a Sunday newspaper reported how he was filmed buying methamphetamine – or crystal meth – and crack cocaine.
The story has rocked the Methodist Church community in Bridlington and Driffield, with one reverend saying they are "saddened" by the shocking revelations.
Mr Flowers served Bridlington Methodist Church through- out the 1990s and was well- known and liked for his "charismatic" personality.
One 47-year-old Bridlington man, who was married by Mr Flowers at Sewerby Methodist Church in 1997, said: "I am totally shocked.
"I remember going through our wedding interview at the church where he talked to us about being a good person – now all that is turned on its head.
"He was a nice man, he was very personable, very charismatic and had a really dry sense of humour."
Mr Flowers was also the chairman of Co-operative Banking Group and the Co-operative Bank for three years from 2010 to May this year.
He was filmed in his car discussing buying cocaine and crystal meth from a Leeds- based dealer, before handing over £300 to his friend to make the deal.
Text messages also suggest he has been taking the Class C drug ketamine, which is a form of horse tranquiliser.
It happened just days after he was questioned by the Treasury Select Committee over the near- collapse of the Co-operative Bank after it lost £700m in the first six months of this year.
He also reportedly sent texts a day after his Treasury Select Committee appearance with one saying: "I was 'grilled' by the Treasury Select Committee yesterday and afterwards came to Manchester to get wasted with friends'.
The Bridlington man said: "You don't expect this from anyone, let alone a vicar.
"The church says sex, drugs and money are the root of all evil and yet he has done this.
"He was very well-known, so people won't be able to believe it. He wasn't a shrinking violet, but you would never expect this of him."
During his time in Bridlington, Mr Flowers was instrumental in community campaigns, including saving Applegarth Residential Home from closure.
He also led Sewerby's popular blessing of the animals service.
The Reverend Robert Amos, of Driffield Methodist Church, said: "It is sad for all who are involved.
"The Methodist Church expects high standards and I understand he has now been suspended."
In a statement, Mr Flowers, who formerly chaired drugs charity Lifeline, said: "This year has been incredibly difficult, with a death in the family and the pressures of my role with the Co-operative Bank.
"At the lowest point in this terrible period, I did things that were stupid and wrong.
"I am sorry for this and I am seeking professional help and apologise to all I have hurt or failed in my actions."
The Methodist Church said: "We expect high standards of our ministers. We have procedures for when ministers fail to meet those standards and we will now start those with a thorough investigation.
"We will also work with the police if they feel a crime has been committed."
