I have just spent five days travelling around England attending two interviews. I have been turned down for both posts. One I wouldn't have accepted, the other I would have done. The first I didn't get because of the blog. The second I didn't get because they were more evangelical than I had been led to believe and I didn't talk about God, and being called by God, enough in the interview (and some other stuff).
So, as we were. Here's the usual blurb:
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Good to have you back MP. When you say you were turned down because of the blog was it because you have a blog in the first place or was exception taken to something you wrote?
ReplyDeleteThe gay thing, Chelliah.
ReplyDeleteB*****.
ReplyDeleteGood to have you back.
So disappointed at the turn-downs.
Prayers continue. Back to the candle site.
How sad, Jonathan. I guess the only consolation, if you can call it that, is that Christ knew rejection first hand. I am so sorry to hear that it turned out this way. Prayers continue. And don't forget ... we are with you!
ReplyDeleteTo all those who read this blog and use it as a reason to turn down a good priest for service before the Lord with you, I am ashamed, but not surprised.
ReplyDeleteThere is a desire to have our clergy be holier than all others and certainly not truly human. Those of us who choose to be genuinely ourselves as we, with you, work out in fear and trembling our lives in Christ have a hard row to how. It is the only true way to be a priest, and it does not bring much honor, sad to say.
So, you have done what you decided was right - and that is too bad for you and for the Church.
These are the words of Lois Keen, and the author of this blog is not responsible for these words in any way.
The word verification for this comment is "teroard" - I find it fitting.
The gay thing, was it? Bigotry.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry, MadPriest.
I'm amazed that either one thought you were a good fit! Surely with 5 minutes of reading online they would see that you are a hard working, no-bullshit, pastoral type, not an evangelical "I Just Want to Say Thank You Jesus" type, and "the gay thing"... hard to miss that in your thoughts and writings... gack!
ReplyDeleteWell we're all happy to see you!
Well done for getting the interviews, MadPriest. That must be an encouragement to keep going...
ReplyDeleteNot at this precise moment in time, Lesley. But thanks for trying.
ReplyDeletewere these the ones mentioned on Chin Wag? (hope not)
ReplyDeleteYes, they were, Sam.
ReplyDeleteBUGGER
ReplyDeletethis is getting beyond silly
I'm so sorry that neither one turned out to be the one. I agree with Sam. I don't know anything else to say.
ReplyDeleteCommiserations - but at least you are begining to get interviews which is a (slight) improvent. keep on going!
ReplyDeleteI don't get why they had you interview then in the first place. The blog is what it is and it was that before as it is now. Why have you jump through all the hoops?
ReplyDeleteMrs MP made exactly that point yesterday, Larry. It's not as if I don't mention it big time on my application form.
ReplyDeleteWhen we heard no news for five days I did begin to get quite worried that something of the kind was taking place. Sorry to hear it, Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteI have to wonder what they expected? You are not an evangelical and you are not a bigot. I should have thought those two things obvious.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry that these did not pan out.
FWIW
jimB
I'm SO sorry!
ReplyDeleteI, too, don't understand why they invited you to interview. In this world of short-sighted bigots, we need more people like you. These selection committees were idiots.
ReplyDeleteDitto, and I am so sorry. I continue to practice the appropriate use of the word bugger. I'd like to stop, though. Bugger!
ReplyDeleteThe gay thing? Keep trying Father, eventually even the most Evangelical Parishes in the Church of England will be ready for a heterosexual Priest. Just remember these traditions die slowly...
ReplyDeleteUgh. I'm sorry doesn't even begin to cover it.
ReplyDeleteSo when you say 'the gay thing' that means that they did not like the fact that you don't have problems with gay people?
ReplyDelete:sigh:
This is really getting ridiculous, as in bigotry like this just getting out of freaking control.
wv: myqhroca
Some kind of new social networking site? My Qhroca?
It's all been said, so I'll just say "me, too."
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking one for the team! There's no guilt like guilt by association and Gospel living. Something is very, very right. I know that there are parishes that believe this.
ReplyDeleteThe Prudish Christian GLBT League (PCGLBT) hereby declares Jonathan an honorary member, and since we're prudish, is granted all rights and privileges thereof.
ReplyDeleteYour comment is funny, Wade!
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm slow in responding to your news, MadPriest. I've had a major computer crash and am now using the back up laptop that belongs to my assistant. Bummer. Wouldn't you know it, I have a priest friend from South Africa coming to visit on Monday and all my contact information for him as well as his flight information is on the other computer that won't boot up. Sheesh.
Well, I'm disgusted about your situation - truly I am. However, you wouldn't have been happy in either a homophobic or an evangelical (that kind) parish so they didn't deserve you.
It's all very vexing. Very.
Given the medieval politics of the Church today, I highly doubt that Jesus Himself would be hired on as a parish priest. (Having recently suffered a backlash for having the temerity to *suggest* a piece of music at our church, I know a smidgeon of what you are going through, MP.)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, you are too good for them. It's too bad they can't appreciate what you offer. But, selfishly, at least we get to see more of you here for a while.
Wade gets a rim-shot: ba-dum-BUM.
ReplyDeleteLo siento mucho Padre.
ReplyDeletewhat a bunch of garbage.
ReplyDeleteBloody bastards...
ReplyDeleteMP, keep going forward and onward. There is a place for you, they just don't know it yet.
I had a job interview myself yesterday and I can say that I've never been treated so badly in an interview. The HR representative was condescending and had this idea that anyone that chose to live in a rural area must be stupid. (She was from a very large metro area on the east coast of the US) Oh well, I do have a job waiting for me when I come off of layoff in a couple of weeks.