Innocent Until Proven Pagan

The conservative Anglican site VirtueOnline reports on allegations against a senior vicar in Oxford for making and possessing indecent pictures of children. The priest Richard Thomas, who is an advisor to the Bishop of Oxford, says he will “vigorously” defend himself against the charges.

Obviously this is a serious charge, if true, the children who have been abused must be cared for and protected, the priest accused severely punished, and the ramifications for the Anglican church in Oxford addressed. So when reporting on the case it is important that the utmost care is taken to not assume the outcome of the case, or to bias the public with gossip. Sadly, that isn’t the take VirtueOnline has taken. In the same article where they detail the charges they also talk in length of his affection for modern Pagans and homosexuals.

“However a Google search revealed that Thomas has been deeply involved in pagan worship and practices and is doing a doctorate in paganism. According to the Church Times he was awarded a £1,000 ($1,700.00) bursary to meet with modern pagans and to attend their rituals in order to complete his Lambeth degree in wicca…Thomas said there was a great deal of scope for “Christians to enter into dialogue with Pagans both on an individual and a group level than at first we might suppose.” Thomas says that it is ‘time for the Church to converse with pagans.’”

A “doctorate in paganism”, a “degree in wicca”? I didn’t know English universities has such programs. No wonder we flourish there! But what does this have to do with indecent photos of children? Maybe if I read further.

“Thomas has serious pro gay biases.”

Wait! I get it now. The author seems to be implying that if you respectfully study Pagans, and if you defend the human rights of homosexuals then you are on the slippery slope towards child pornography! Because we all know modern Paganism and gay people are all about abusing children. Can any journalistic integrity be salvaged from this article? I’m sure they will end it by asserting that liking gays and Pagans doesn’t equal a connection to child pornography.

“An Oxford theologian who asked to remain anonymous told VirtueOnline that, “We in Oxford have long known that this man [Thomas] is not on the side of the angels and is a pro-gay lobbyist and activist. The Bishop of Oxford, frustrated in his desire to promote Jeffrey John has more than one closet gay on his staff. If Thomas is convicted it will go far to destroying the last shreds of credibility for Bishop Harries who is on his way to retirement.’”

Or maybe not. Sounds like they are breaking out the pitchforks and torches before the man is even put on trial. After all, gossip, and who you defend and associate with firmly establishes your guilt or innocence in cases relating to child pornography.

Tags: Neopaganism