Paul Shackerley, the naughty vicar, and a snowy friend.
The background
Canon Dr Paul Shackerley, the Vicar of Doncaster, and one of the most high profile clerics in Yorkshire, has posted “sin is such fun” on Facebook. The naughty vicar is also accused of swearing, mocking religious events, and complaining – “about having to go to church every Sunday,” reported The Daily Telegraph. He is also alleged to have joined a Facebook group called “”I want to get back with my ex…!”…LOL jk…I’d rather SH*T in my hands and clap!” He posted a picture of himself next to a snowman, and speculated that it was not possible to call it a snowman any more because of political correctness, reported The Daily Telegraph. An anonymous letter was sent to senior Yorkshire figures, saying that “present behavior makes him totally unfit to serve the Minster or the people of Doncaster, and totally unfit to serve the church at all in the opinion of many Doncaster residents.” The priest is under investigation by the Anglican church. The Metro ran a picture with the caption “Loose canon,” but otherwise puns were largely absent. Commentators on the Christian blogosphere think his behavior inappropriate; or is he just a normal bloke?
“I think I will put my feet up. I’ve done f**k all today other than jazz lesson and visit a friend. I hear the fizz of tonic in my gin beckoning. Alas, I have religion tomorrow. At least I’m not preaching this week. Preaching next week at St Mary Abbotts Kensing-ton though. Best make that a good one eh?” wrote Dr Shackerley on Facebook, quoted on The Telegraph.
Clergy must distinguish between work matters and private
The Bishop of Doncaster, Peter Burrows, said, quoted on The Daily Telegraph, that social media was immediate, but that clergy had to be aware that they were making a distinction between work and personal matters. “There are a number of quite complex and difficult issues for the church that have been raised by this. They will need to be addressed and we do take seriously the complainants’ comments.”
Dr Shackerley has forgotten what being a Christian means
Dr Shackerley is right, said Anglican Samizdat. “Sin is fun.” It wouldn’t be very tempting if it wasn’t. But what seems to be eluding Shackerley is that sin is something to be resisted. Maybe Shakerley “skipped the lessons on the heresy of antinomianism; or perhaps he is simply too terndy and relevant to bother about antiquated notions like sin.”
Shackerley should be sacked
The Christianity is Not Left Wing blog made a bet that Shackerley wouldn’t be sacked; and if he was, “what are the odds that one of those anti-justice institutions called Industrial Tribunals will find in his favour even if every negative be proved?”
Shackerley is just a normal bloke
If only all priests were like Canon Dr Paul Shackerley. Sounds like a normal bloke being punished for being human.
— Darren Roberts (@pvtbanner) May 24, 2012
