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Sir Cliff Richard tells of his Irish ex-priest 'companion'
Friday, 5 September 2008
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Sir Cliff Richard has spoke about his friendship with a former Catholic priest he shares his home with.
The singer and Christian describes Father John McElynn as his “companion” in his new autobiography.
Writing in 'My Life, My Way', Cliff says he met Mr McElynn, a former missionary, seven years ago, while visiting New York.
"He hadn't had any thought at the beginning of giving up the priesthood; but when it became clear he was thinking of the possibility, I suggested he might help me with some charitable projects," he said.
"That was seven years ago and our arrangement has worked out really well. John now spends most of his time looking after my properties, which means I don't have to.
"John and I have over time struck up a close friendship. He has also become a companion, which is great because I don't like living alone.
"People often make the mistake of thinking that only marriage equals happiness. I may suddenly meet someone and feel differently, but right now I am not sure marriage would enhance my happiness."
Sir Cliff (67) also says he is sick of speculation about his sexuality and thinks the Church should approve same sex marriages.
He writes: "As for my sexuality, I am sick to death of the media's speculation about it. What business is it of anyone else's?
"I don't think my fans would care either way."
"Same-sex marriages are perhaps a modern example of how things have changed," he writes.
"I think the Church must come round and see people as they are. Gone are the days when we assumed loving relationships would be solely between men and women.
"In the end, I believe, people are going to be judged for what they are. It seems to me that commitment is the issue, and if anyone comes to me and says, 'This is my partner -- we are committed to each other', then I don't care what their sexuality is. I'm not going to judge -- I'll leave that to God."
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Like many others I was extremely disapppointed to read of these comments by Cliff. He is someone who represents Christianity to many non-believers and therefore has a responsibility to stand firm for biblical principles. To come out with this kind of unscriptural comment pretty well defies belief (no pun intended). What's happened to him?
Posted by Bob Langley | 28.10.08, 21:03 GMT
It seems, "Sir Cliff" just doesn't get it. Christianity is not about warm fuzzy but discipleship, a word so easily forgotten that finds its roots on the same word as discipline. It means "to follow" as in to follow the example of. He may claim to be a Christian but in fact his religion is somewhat like Christianity but not the real thing if it doesn't follow (or attempt to follow) the Scriptures of the Christian faith.
Posted by J. Robert Leslie | 07.09.08, 19:19 GMT
I would just like to know how Sir Cliff knows which bits of the bible no longer apply.
As we live in a society where binge drinking, sexual immorality and drug taking are 'normal,' should the church come round and accept these behaviours?
Posted by Robert Melville | 07.09.08, 16:03 GMT
Surely by saying:
"I think the Church must come round and see people as they are. Gone are the days when we assumed loving relationships would be solely between men and women.
"In the end, I believe, people are going to be judged for what they are. It seems to me that commitment is the issue, and if anyone comes to me and says, 'This is my partner -- we are committed to each other', then I don't care what their sexuality is."
Sir Cliff just made a 'judgement' right before saying
"I'm not going to judge -- I'll leave that to God."
Posted by GB | 05.09.08, 21:25 GMT
And so spoke the prophet Cliff!
I think that Cliff has possibly developed an inflated view of his own importance. To be fair this probably goes with the showbiz lifestyle where everyone tells you how wonderful you are.
He seems childishly niave when he says, "As for my sexuality, I am sick to death of the media's speculation about it.'
"I don't think my fans would care either way'. He is a high profile figure and therefore the media see him as fair game. I think many fans do care either way!
In my opinion he has some misguided skewed ideas. He says that he will not judge if he sees commitment. What if it was a committed atheist, humanist, pagan etc would he not, in accordance with his Christian beliefs be saying, if asked, 'Hey man I like you, but you're on the wrong track?'
Posted by T.J.McClean | 05.09.08, 12:14 GMT