 In 1975 Thomas was convicted of gross indecency which resulted in a fine, and felt obliged to resign, and he remained outside public ministry for a number of years.Although the content of the case might now be seen as indicating that Thomas was bisexual, he made no public statements concerning his orientation and remained married to and supported by his wife Jean, (with whom he had four children).His appointment as Assistant Bishop in the diocese of Swansea and Brecon from 1988 saw a return to pastoral and episcopal work in the remaining years of his life.