Dennis Robinson told the bishop his sermon had made him proud to be an atheist.
Dennis is the father of a Welsh soldier killed in Afghanistan. He accused a Bishop Tom Burns of “hijacking” his son’s funeral service for political propaganda. Not for the first time.
The Bishop had previously preached the same sermon blaming deaths on inadequate equipment. Dennis Robinson said the Bishop delivered an “incredibly long diatribe” on armed forces funding.
This “diminished” the commemoration of Bombardier Samuel Robinson’s life. He was killed by an explosion in the Sangin district of Helmand on July 8. It's very unlikely that any equipment would have protected him from these deadly Dad's Army weapon.
If the Bishop wants to send a useful message he should call for an acceleration of the exit process and an end to foot patrols that are only of symbolic value. Mr Robinson said “To use this kind of political propaganda was wholly inappropriate and totally diminished what was supposed to be an acknowledgment of my son’s life. We hoped it would give us some closure.
Funeral are no longer the formal cold repetition of ritual and impersonal prayers. Mourners draw comfort from personal tributes that do justice to the best virtues of the departed. They are now a valuable part of the grieving process.
Bombardier Robinson's sister said “The fact that Sam was killed by an explosive device and not through any lack of equipment or funding, just goes to highlight how unrelated the long sermon was to my brother.”
In a statement he said: “I respect Mr Robinson’s personal views and I share in the grief of him and his family at the loss of wonderful son [sic].”
The Western Mail and BBC Wales asked me for a comment. I told them that it is extraordinary that anyone would think it appropriate to deliver any political messages at such a sensitive time. The pulpit of the Prince of Peace should never be used in such a way.
It's a great shame that the Bishop has added to the suffering of the family. Tonight he has apologised. There are painful days ahead, as the justification for the sacrifice of 327 soldiers disappears as hope of victory collapses.
I see this bishop is well in with the miltary see http://www.dioceseofmenevia.org/bishop/bishop.htm
it has often worried me as a christian how these "embedded " chaplains , in so many ways , are comprising the peace that Christ taught
Posted by: beetee | August 06, 2010 at 01:09 PM