We’re all thinking it, so is Reverend Richard Coles actually a real vicar?

Say whatever you want, but ever since Reverend Richard Coles entered the I’m A Celeb jungle I’ve been questioning if he’s a real vicar or not. And everyone on Twitter seems to be wondering too, so I’m not alone. Is it just a stage thing? Does he actually practise anymore? Big questions. And I need them answered.

Most people know Richard Coles as one half of 80s pop duo, The Communards. They have huge hits such as Don’t Leave Me This Way, and his music career is what has made Richard a multi-millionaire now. But then, Richard turned to religion in his late 20s.

via YouTube

Yes, Reverend Richard Coles is a real vicar

In short, yes Reverend Richard Coles is a real vicar. In the early 90s he started studying for a BA in theology at King’s College London. It was there he became a Roman Catholic, which he remained for 10 years.

In 2003, Richard was selected for training for a priesthood by the Church of England. He began his training, before being ordained in 2005. He then served as curate at St Botolph’s Church in Boston, Lincolnshire and then at St Paul’s Church, Knightsbridge, before becoming the 59th vicar of Finedon.

Richard Coles went on to retire as vicar of Finedon, north Northamptonshire, in 2022. This was due to his belief the organisation was excluding gay couples, and his disapproval of what he called its “conservative, punchy and fundamentalist” direction.

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Speaking about his career, Richard told The Times: “I will still be a priest, I will always be a priest, and I will minister where I am able. Next month I am going to my first conference of prison chaplains and I hope I can make myself useful as a volunteer with inmates in the criminal justice system.”

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