Missing priest found dead in car
A priest who has been missing for six days has been found dead in his car outside a supermarket.
Father Joseph Williams, 42, was discovered slumped over the wheel in a Morrison's car park in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire.
He is believed to have died of natural causes, the parish said, and was left undiscovered for three days.
Right Reverend Peter Doyle, writing on the Diocese of Northampton website, said: "It is with much sadness that I write to let you know that Father Joseph Williams died suddenly while out shopping on Friday, 27th December.
"Although there has to be a post-mortem, it would seem that he died of natural causes.
"Aged 42, Joe was ordained priest on 1st July 2000. He served as an assistant priest in Burnham and Kettering before moving to Biggleswade as Parish Administrator in 2006.
"From 2008 to 2011 he was Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Milton Keynes and then Parish Priest of St.Martin de Porres, Luton.
"Please pray for the repose of Joe's soul, for his family and for his parish. May he rest in peace."
A memorial service has been held for Father Williams at his Luton parish.
