Celebrity vicars do a great job. But if we think it’s about us, we’ve lost the plot

Following The Spectator’s critique of “funky vicars”, Rev Michael Coren pushes back, defending his fellow clergy in the public eye and questioning a culture that he says is quicker to sneer than to support

They say that all publicity is good publicity but if the Church of England is any indication that’s clearly not the case. Reports of scandals and abuse don’t exactly increase church attendance, and the good that the Anglican church does – beyond measure – is seldom mentioned. That’s the nature of news of course, and Christians aren’t unique in being victims of it all. 

The current cause of media scrutiny is largely innocuous and might, in fact, do some good. It began when well-known television and radio broadcaster Kate Bottley, also an ordained priest, gave an interview in the Daily Telegraph. Some objected to what she said, social media became busy (when does it not?) and a column of response in The Spectator was extremely critical and referred to “funky vicars”. I don’t know Kate and, anyway, I’m not in the business of personal attacks. 

The article also criticised Richard Coles, however, and Richard is a friend and someone who was a major influence on my becoming an Anglican and seeking ordination. He’s theologically deep, committed to an intelligent and profound Christian faith, and has influenced countless people. Thank God for him.