Deafchurch.co.uk

Deaf Catholic priest, Father Peter McDonough revealed to his congregation at St Joseph's Mission to Deaf People in Salford on Sunday that he had broken his vow of celibacy and that he is leaving the church after confessing he has a four-year-old child.

After a "time of reflection", he decided his responsibility should lie with his family, Salford diocese said.

Hundreds of Deaf and Hearing Friends gathered at Epworth Baptish Church to say farewell and celbrate the life of Peter Orford on Friday 19th June.  Peter and his wife Sue have been well known in the Deaf community. Peter had suffered from prostate cancer but to the end he  had continued to serve and be involved with the Deaf community.

Peter had taught for many years  at Doncaster School for the Deaf where he was much loved by his students many of who came to the funeral and many more sent the best regards, More recently, after his retirement,  he had focussed on gaining qualifications as a Sign Language Interpreter 

He had a long history of service to the Deaf Christian and Churches and among other things maintained the old Hands Together website. 

Before his untimely Death Michael Jackson had planned  all the children who were perform with him during his London residency should know sign language.

The 'Thriller' singer was due to kick-off his 50-date residency at London's O2 arena next month and  sent an email telling promoters AEG the requirements he wants for his team of young singers.

A source said: "Normally when we cast choirs for acts, it's quite a laborious task. But in this case, it's proving a near impossibility. Jackson is a perfectionist and wants it exactly right and that means every child being able to do sign language.