Rev Canon Charles Richardson

[Melph91]

Hi all, I went to St John's and St cleclements school and have fond memories of Father Charles. When I called the church to set a date for my wedding in November last year I was told he had "taken a step back from ministry" and when I called today to confirm was told he had passed away.

Does anyone know what happened? It is a great shame, he was a lovely man.

[Huggers]

There is a memorial service for his life on Sunday 25th January at the church at 6pm.

[Melph91]

Thanks Huggers. Are you part of the congregation, do you know what happened?

[Mustard]

The previous thread on here about him was taken down by Admin. It would be good if this one mentioning the memorial service could be left up, so at least people who wanted to attend would know when it was. Or, if not, then a separate one regarding just the memorial service could be started.

[dimples]

Yes I really loved father Charles too and am very glad to hear about the memorial , thankyou

[loobylou]

Very glad to hear this, I'll be there. Thank you for letting us know.

[jimbo1964]

Do you know when he was at St John's? I went there in the 70's but I only really remember Father Strudwick from St Clements.

[Huggers]

From about 1998. I am sure this info will be available at the memorial. Get there early, it will be Very busy.

[kc38]

It's very interesting how the Church of England is trying to muzzle any discussion of Charles' disappearance from St John's and sudden death, including deletions of items in this thread. You don't need a lot of imagination to read into that.

[mishadreams]

What happened to Canon Richardson? He was "removed from Eclesiastical duties" for reasons unknown and then tragically took his own life yet no-one talks about it? A good friend of mine lives v near and all questions regarding property isues etc are being passed to the Diocese and there is no information forthcoming. Why?

[goosey-goosey]

I missed the memorial service for Charles but hope there was a decent turnout, and would be very interested to hear from anyone who attended.

[concernedparish]

Father Charles did not stand back from ministry. He was suspended after being arrested on what the church is describing as a "safeguarding issue" - not sure what that means? Hope that helps people.

[goosey-goosey]

Blimey and oh dear, in equal measure. Thanks concernedparish.

[Melph91]

Blimey, did anyone make it to the memorial. Do we know what the safeguarding issue was? I was personally around him for much of my childhood and a bit shocked really

[Huggers]

I made it to the memorial. It was rammed. It was a lovely service.

[dimples]

I'm so sorry I wasn't able to attend as it was my daughters birthday party at the same time . I'm so glad it was a great turn out as he was a lovely lovely man to me and my best friend when in deepest need to her and her family.

I truely sad loss .

[solar]

I went to the service. The church was packed. There were many people there who had known him over the years and had come back to pay their respects. Such a sad loss. May he rest in peace.

[monica]

..

Have edited post re latest news re Rev charles. Utterly unbelievable, I knew him for years, and always thought he was a very kind man. Speechless.

[concerned-stjohns]

This is how lovely he was....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2933992/British-police-accused-catastrophic-blunders-file-2-000-child-abuse-suspects-handed-Canadian-investigators-ignored-TWO-YEARS.html

[Salsaboy]

Quote from the Mail article:

?We are all flawed human beings and it is helpful, no matter what the circumstances of a person?s life or death, for those who knew them to be able to pray for them.?

That will be a huge comfort to any victims of his. Fekkin church. In a world of it's own.

[Mrs TP]

Thanks for posting this concerned-stjohns.

[Administrator]

I have previously removed messages with rumours regarding Rev Canon Charles Richardson however as there is now a report about him and his arrest on that news site I will no longer remove them.

[colville09]

I only had a brief contact with the Rev but he obviously was loved by his parishioners. He also seemed to add much to our ED community. Maybe people should reflect more on the motives, exploitation of distress and morality of The Daily Mail before they start getting hysterical. There is something very sick about that rag and its sad readers.

[Scruffy Mummy]

People who abuse children are often charming and charismatic - otherwise they would never gain access. Although he was arrested for downloading child porn, not child abuse.

[colville09]

Actually Scruffy Mummy most abuse is by family members not by charming strangers.