Policeman swaps sirens for sermons to become Manningham priest (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Policeman swaps sirens for sermons to become Manningham priest
10:00am Monday 1st October 2012 in News
By Hannah Postles, T&A Reporter
The Reverend Alistair Helm
A former Detective Chief Superintendent who led murder investigations is swapping sirens for sermons when he becomes the new priest at a Manningham church.
The Reverend Alistair Helm, who worked as head of CID in Leicestershire, spending 17 years combining his ministry with his police work, will be licensed by the Bishop of Bradford Nick Baines as priest in charge of St Paul’s Church tomorrow.
During his time with the police, he was responsible for the murder investigation teams, surveillance units, special branch as well as child abuse and financial investigations, and he said his colleagues were supportive of his dual role.
“Police officers are well known for their humour and there was mickey-taking too – the daily morning conference became known as ‘morning prayers’ and Cellophane was stuck on my office windows to create ‘stained glass windows’,” he said. “Some people assumed that because I was a priest I wouldn’t be an effective police officer, but when you try and bring what the Christian faith demands of us into the workplace then you will achieve.”
Mr Helm, who left the police in 2008, said dealing with domestic violence, child protection allegations, woundings and burglaries helped him see that “God is at the centre of us all, even the worst criminals”.
He said even though his new Manningham patch had an 80 per cent Muslim population, the church was still very active.
“I’d like the church building, which is in the centre of Manningham, to be at the heart of the community,” he added. “We’re blessed with useful space, both outside and inside the building.”
Comments(14)
A Casual Observer
says...
10:32am Mon 1 Oct 12
Up with the partridge wrote:What a ridiculous comment!
Why is it that people who are at the end of their careers are allowed to then train to become a minister of religion?
Surely in this important role we want people who went to university and theological college not who fancy a job change in later life. If I suddenyl had the calling to be an orthopaedic surgeon someone would say - sorry but you are too old to train to do this job how ever well meaning you are.
Weren't you one of those who were often telling others to "get a job"?
Presumably it's ok by you then if I now give up on job-hunting now that I am of a certain age and just sit back and claim my dole? After all, according to you I'm too old to bother re-training or considering a career change.
Albion.
says...
10:53am Mon 1 Oct 12
A Casual Observer wrote:You HAVE given up on job-hunting, your efforts are merely pretence.
Up with the partridge wrote:What a ridiculous comment!
Why is it that people who are at the end of their careers are allowed to then train to become a minister of religion?
Surely in this important role we want people who went to university and theological college not who fancy a job change in later life. If I suddenyl had the calling to be an orthopaedic surgeon someone would say - sorry but you are too old to train to do this job how ever well meaning you are.
Weren't you one of those who were often telling others to "get a job"?
Presumably it's ok by you then if I now give up on job-hunting now that I am of a certain age and just sit back and claim my dole? After all, according to you I'm too old to bother re-training or considering a career change.
Albion.
says...
10:55am Mon 1 Oct 12
collos25
says...
11:37am Mon 1 Oct 12
Up with the partridge
says...
12:08pm Mon 1 Oct 12
A Casual Observer wrote:No tat all, what I am saying is that certain jobs are ones that should be a career, and others not so. I am sure uo can find a job but being a vicar/minister is not about passing a few exams. I seem to think it is something one does for life.
Up with the partridge wrote:What a ridiculous comment!
Why is it that people who are at the end of their careers are allowed to then train to become a minister of religion?
Surely in this important role we want people who went to university and theological college not who fancy a job change in later life. If I suddenyl had the calling to be an orthopaedic surgeon someone would say - sorry but you are too old to train to do this job how ever well meaning you are.
Weren't you one of those who were often telling others to "get a job"?
Presumably it's ok by you then if I now give up on job-hunting now that I am of a certain age and just sit back and claim my dole? After all, according to you I'm too old to bother re-training or considering a career change.
Bacon Bantam
says...
1:23pm Mon 1 Oct 12
This job position is similar to one of a lifeguard in the Sahara desert, redundant.
The Hoffster
says...
1:26pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Bacon Bantam wrote:Lol ! :D
He said even though his new Manningham patch had an 80 per cent Muslim population.
This job position is similar to one of a lifeguard in the Sahara desert, redundant.
Mummys little Sunbeam
says...
2:46pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Mummys little Sunbeam
says...
2:47pm Mon 1 Oct 12
shikran
says...
2:48pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Mummys little Sunbeam wrote:He will have to do his sermons in Urdu if he's gonna make a dent in them figures
80% ?? You're having a laugh !!!
The Hoffster
says...
4:08pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Mummys little Sunbeam wrote::D :D :D
No offence meant, but who decided the best reporter for this item was An Apostle ?
Bradfordlass1972
says...
9:54pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Bone_idle18
says...
12:49pm Tue 2 Oct 12
Up with the partridge wrote:How hard can it be to be a minister of religion, even your average 3year old has the capacity to believe in fairy tales!
Why is it that people who are at the end of their careers are allowed to then train to become a minister of religion?
Surely in this important role we want people who went to university and theological college not who fancy a job change in later life. If I suddenyl had the calling to be an orthopaedic surgeon someone would say - sorry but you are too old to train to do this job how ever well meaning you are.
Up with the partridge says...
10:21am Mon 1 Oct 12
Surely in this important role we want people who went to university and theological college not who fancy a job change in later life. If I suddenyl had the calling to be an orthopaedic surgeon someone would say - sorry but you are too old to train to do this job how ever well meaning you are.