The Bishop of Fulham who appeared in his dressing gown at a church concert and told the choir to “leave his house” has apologised for the “distress and offence” he caused.
Rt Rev Jonathan Baker, who was also barefoot, took a microphone and told the City Academy Voices choir that they were making "a terrible racket" and demanded they stop the concert at St Andrews’ Church in Holborn in central London.
He’s now written a letter of apology to the choir saying he shouldn't have made the remarks and hadn’t realised the church had been booked until 11pm:
‘I write to apologise for the distress and offence I caused in bringing the concert to a premature end.
'This should not have happened … I also apologise for remarks which were made in haste, and which have understandably caused hurt and distress.'
The bishop made his surprise interruption at just after 10pm and shortly afterwards a church employee asked the 300-strong audience to leave.
Benedict Collins, who was attending the concert with his daughter, told Sky News he initially thought the interruption was a staged joke:
"This work deserves respect, not to be disparaged as a 'terrible racket'. The people here had put their heart and soul into it.
"The bishop cut them off in midstream, preventing soloists who had worked their hardest from singing - and preventing the audience, which included people of all ages, from enjoying it to the end."
In his letter, the bishop who lives on site at St Andrew’s, said the choir continues to be welcome and that he hopes a good relationship will continue:
‘I can give you every assurance that the events of Friday evening will not recur, and I apologise again to performers (especially those unable to perform at the end of the evening) and the audience alike.’
The choir told Sky News it was "upsetting" that they were unable to finish their show as planned, but "hold no hard feelings and wish the bishop well".
A spokesperson added: "If anyone is thinking of joining one of our choirs, the City Academy Voices rehearse on Mondays in central London. Dressing gowns optional."