William was prepared to retain Episcopacy in Scotland if the bishops would acknowledge him.

The bishop acknowledges allowing at least four priests to continue in ministry despite abuse allegations, saying he was following the advice of mental health professionals.

Subsequently, the bishop acknowledges that they have a little knowledge but are ignorant of the true meaning of the doctrine and how properly to pray.

In a statement, the bishop acknowledged a sexual relationship with a woman that began when she was 21, which church authorities said took place roughly 20 years ago.

In what many bishops have now acknowledged was a grave mistake, the church also quietly reassigned many of the priests to new parishes.

The bishop acknowledged a new concern.

But these bishops did not acknowledge any juridical authority of Rome.

"Something hit my window," the bishop acknowledged to his aide.

The Pope's message confirmed what the bishops had implicitly acknowledged a few days earlier, when they announced the formation of a special national committee to deal with the issue.

Public confidence has eroded further because the bishops had previously acknowledged sexual abuse and resigned.