I’m a priest - ask me anything!

[RevInTheHouse]

I’m a fairly young (and quite normal I think) Church of England priest. Am married with children

[TheSpottedZebra]

Will we see female archbishops, do you think?

[hungryhippie]

Aren't they called vicars in the church of england?

[HollowTalk]

Do you really believe in god? I mean really?

[RevInTheHouse]

TheSpottedZebra I think so and I do hope so although it may take a while, as most things do in the church! I’d like to see a time when the person discerned to be best for the post is appointed (whether male or female) and that people will focus on their qualities and character and not their gender.
Thanks for the first question

[Whisky2014]

How can you dedicate your life to something where there is absolutely zero evidence of it?

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Does anyone under the age of 65 regularly turn up to your services?

[RevInTheHouse]

hungryhippie

We are priests in CofE too.
The way I describe it is that a deacon/ priest is what I am (I was ordained a deacon and then a priest) whereas a vicar is the role I do.
Not all priests are vicars- some are chaplains or have other clerical roles etc.
Does that make sense?

[hungryhippie]

Yes it does, thankyou Rev

[RevInTheHouse]

HollowTalk
I very much distinguish faith from certainty - I have faith but of course I can’t prove there is a God. So although I do believe in God I still have questions and at times have had doubts.

My dp isn’t a believer but he wouldn’t describe his view as certain either.

[Ribrabrob]

How much do you earn?

[RevInTheHouse]

AvocadosBeforeMortgages

I am very blessed that our congregation has lots of young people as well as older people and it’s a real mix. My last church had a much older congregation and that is often the case I think

[RevInTheHouse]

Ribrabrob

Full time vicars get a stipend not a wage. It’s not heaps but it’s enough and obviously we get a house to live.
I also rent out my property that I owned pre ordination which will be important for retirement

[Rudgie47]

Do you believe in God?

[TheSpottedZebra]

(Thanks for answering my previous question)

What do you honestly feel about atheists?

[BartholinsSister]

Do you believe there were two sasquatches on the Ark?

[RevInTheHouse]

Whisky2014

That’s the unanswerable question!! But I’ll try...
As I said above, it’s faith that I have and a sense of vocation. My life is dedicated to serving God of course, but also dedicated to loving and serving people often in the most joyful and most awful times of their lives. I do the role with integrity and honesty and that’s all I can do.

[Danceintherain2018]

What are your views on people who are practicing lesbians but believe in God?

[RevInTheHouse]

TheSpottedZebra

I am married to an atheist and 90% of my friends are atheist or agnostic! We respect each other and love each other and it’s never been an issue.

[BiteyShark]

If you could change one thing about your church/religion what would it be?

[RevInTheHouse]

Danceintherain2018

Views of sexuality vary immensely within Christian circles. I have a number of good lesbian friends, 2 of whom are Christian and in a relationship. Many churches are fully inclusive.
I’m not naive and acknowledge that there is still much hostility and judgment in some parts of the church which is sad

[RevInTheHouse]

BiteyShark

Great question and I am going to think hard and come back to you.
A quick answer is that the Gospel message is fundamentally about love and I wish the church shone out as a beacon of this love into the world. Sometimes it does and unfortunately sometimes it really doesn’t!

[RevInTheHouse]

Danceintherain2018

I didn’t actually answer your question of what I think. No issue whatsoever - love is love!

[RevInTheHouse]

I actually have to go back to church soon so I’ll come back later

[DrCorday]

How do process that your DH (& your non believing friends) will not be in the same place as you when you die?

This is one of my biggest worries for my DH (non believer) I pray every day.