I am writing in response to the piece in the Oxford Mail: New vicar finds the welcome warmer in Abingdon (October 4).
As a long-standing member of St Alban’s Church, Fr Paul’s previous parish, I was shocked and hurt by the tone of the comments made.
To imply that the churchgoers were unfriendly and that he was something of a one-man-band is, to say the least, a sweeping generalisation.
Also, to say that it was an isolating experience seems unfair. Many people supported Fr Paul throughout his entire ministry at St Alban’s, both in church activities and on a personal basis.
Yes, it is a challenging area, with a variety of problems, but it seems to have been painted more like a war zone. The tone of the piece will not encourage new clergy to come forward to take his place following the interregnum.
During Fr Paul’s time with us our numbers decreased for a variety of reasons.
Situations were handled in such a way that we lost valuable hard-working members of the congregation.
At present we remain positive, assisted by Mthr Gloria Steadman and visiting preachers, in particular the Venerable Trevor Reader.
To all potential candidates: please do not be totally influenced by this article which presented a very one-sided view of our church.
Alison Jerome, Havant, Hampshire
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