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

grasspigeons

I’m part of a team. I’m the only woman but the others have children too so understand the balance needed. Ministry is demanding but very flexible. I can pick the kids up most days and often do work stuff with them in the holidays now they are a bit older.
I will stay in team ministry while I have children at home as it takes all the pressure off one vicar

that's good to hear. I was raised catholic and they always give that as the reason for not letting priests marry (and for keeping it male I think) and I thought there must be an answer and there it is - team work

This is very interesting OP. I’m an atheist but a teacher and I don’t think my job and yours sound that different at the end of the day.

I have two questions. First is about Catholic Priests, I hope that’s ok.

1. what did you think about that horrible video that emerged recently of the French priest who slapped a baby in the Christening?

2. do you think your role gives you too much scope to easily abuse the power you have in the community, and do you think there is a robust enough system for whistleblowing of priests who do just that?

ReggieKrayDoYouKnowMyName

I was a teacher before ordination there are many similarities

How do you deal with people who regard belief in supernatural deities of which there is no empirical evidence as ridiculous?

Would you suggest they think of ‘god’ in terms of a metaphor or aspiration?

I am a Godmother, and take it very seriously, including trying to understand and carry out what the role is (beyond being good at birthday presents ). I was never christened myself. What is your view on this? Is this wrong? I understand the Minister just avoided the discussion and I was not aware enough to question it. Having read more I realise the issue! Am I some sort of hypocrite?

I have thought recently about getting baptised. Where would I start? Will it cause problems that Inam a Godmother already and may have to fess up!

What do you think of agnostics/ atheists who occasionally go to church because they enjoy it (not for school places!) but are unlikely to change their beliefs?

Do you ever find members of your congregation frustrating/ annoying? (Sorry this sounds dreadful) I know a few church goers who are very difficult company, I always wonder if they partly like church because people are more likely to talk to them there.

Do you only work on a Sunday and do we have to wait until next week for our answers?

NotTakenUsername

Haha Sundays are often one of my quieter days! Clergy usually work 6 days a week

HopelesslydevotedtoGu
What do you think of agnostics/ atheists who occasionally go to church because they enjoy it (not for school places!) but are unlikely to change their beliefs?

My dp is one of these and I think it’s great!

Do you ever find members of your congregation frustrating/ annoying?

I think as in any role there are different personalities and some relationships are easier than others. Ministry is definitely full of frustrations but I know parishioners also get frustrated with me!

How2Help

Usually Godparents would have to be baptised themselves but it doesn’t invalidate your Godparent status because you’re not!! I certainly wouldn’t worry about this if you came to me to talk about baptism for yourself, in fact I’d be delighted. I’d probably meet with you once or twice to chat through what baptism means and how you’re feeling about it and hopefully set a date!

BonnieF

There is no empirical evidence and so I respect that many don’t believe in God. As long as people are respectful of the beliefs of others (and that goes both ways) then I think people of all faiths and none can form good relationships.

I have had my faith mocked and deconstructed but often by people who have a misconception about what I actually do believe.
For example, my first degree was a science degree and of course I believe in evolution!! I have studied the bible to a high level, including the original Greek, and understand the different genres and believe some if allegorical and other bits are literal.
I am also in favour of marriage equality which is a big dividing issue in the church today. When people find out I’m a Christian and make assumptions about my ‘stupidity’ or ‘prejudices’ I do get rather frustrated.

Did you watch Rev and what did you think of it?

NotTakenUsername

what did you think about that horrible video that emerged recently of the French priest who slapped a baby in the Christening?

I haven’t seen that It sounds dreadful but I’ll look it up now

do you think your role gives you too much scope to easily abuse the power you have in the community, and do you think there is a robust enough system for whistleblowing of priests who do just that?

We all know there have been church leaders who have abused their position. My experience is that there are structures of accountability, both formal and informal, and clear regulations around safeguarding. I’ve seen it work well and I hope that much has been learnt from past experiences.

brizzledrizzle

I loved it! I especially liked his prayers. He talked frankly to god, got distracted mid way through praying, had numerous feelings of inadequacy and fear which is very true to some of my prayers.

I need to get back to work...... have I missed anyone?

Do you get a bit fed up of people always apologising if they swear in your hearing?

Urbanbeetler

YES!! I’m human and have been known to swear on occasion!! I’m arguably the best person to rant to and swear in front of as it won’t go any further. People rant at me a lot and it’s part of my job.

Thanks for this, op!

I remember in the 80s, a survey that showed the majority of Anglican bishops didn't believe in God. Do you think this is still the case? It's my sense that the Church has moved more towards fundamentalism (not in the pejorative sense, only as an opposite to Modernism) but that's based solely on being a parishioner and not at all on anything else!

Is it also the case that priests in the C of E generally have had a career prior to ordination?

Hefzi

The bishops I know believe in God I think. Although I am sure there are times that faith is a struggle for many church leaders.

I’d say most of the people I trained with and have worked with had careers prior to ordination and these varied immensely

When it's our turn on the flower rota at church we go up to the altar to get the vases down, fill them, and then go back to return them. There's never anyone else about - but one day there might be and I'm never sure whether we should be bowing our heads or kneeling before we approach the alter, go past the communion rail, go back again, etc. What is the correct thing to do?

I used to go to church, Rev but because of a terrible betrayal by 'Christian' friends I gave up. I can't forgive them and it has corroded my soul. What would you do? Sorry for the deep question but it was the reason for going on MN in the first place.

Thanks, Rev- I wasn't meaning to sound as though I was mocking, BTW: I know that I struggle with faith a lot at times, and I think it would be even harder for those ordained. Thank you so much for your gracious answer