Local churches throughout the land are rife with either ‘Vicaratis’ or ‘Vicar phobia.’
Meanings: ‘Vicaratis’ is a word created entirely by myself. There are various interpretations but probably the most significant is the deliberate motive to keep communication to an absolute minimum: a distinct lack of communication so that the minister, priest, pastor or lay elder avoids communication with his congregation as much as possible in order to keep control. ‘Silence is golden’
Now, admittedly, the task of ordained ministry today is more difficult that in the last fifty years. More and more clergy suffer breakdowns, depression or both and look for distractions. (My theological college principal at Queen’s. Birmingham where I studied in the late fifties warned the students of the dangers of the three ‘D’s’ Drink, Debt and Dames.)
The subject of resignation well before retiring age should surely be a subject for earnest debate in Synod. What are the reasons? How can they be averted? Clergy from other denominations are opting out, leaving for other career choices. Why?
‘Vicar Phobia.’ Approaching the house cautiously along the overgrown garden path i knew i might have misheard the Lord’s instructions. Sometimes i do. In fact, to be honest, i often seem to get it wrong. So… knocking the front door. No response. Then, peeping through the letter box. Still, no sign of life. The Lord’s voice had surely been clear as i wrote down my visiting list for that afternoon. ‘Yes, go for it. Go to 14, Arcacia Avenue.’ But perhaps i had been mistaken? i knew the lady in question, saw her at the local shops that morning, wanted to talk about Faith, she said. Arranged the time: 2.30 pm. Had she chickened out for some reason? I peered through the grimy window. A slight movement behind the sofa. I returned to the front door, flipped open the letter box with my fingers and called out ,”Hey there, Mrs Jones, it’s John. Have you forgotten? Still no sound. I felt deflated, defeated. Maybe, for some meeting with the vicar is for some like a visit to the dentist — best to avoid as long as possible.