Horsmonden vicar Paul Meier has been suspended

by Nick Lillitos

Shocked villagers are reeling over the suspension of their vicar because of "events in his past".

The Rev Paul Meier took over St Margaret's Church, in Rectory Park Road, Horsmonden, just more than two years ago after being promoted.

Previously he was based in Chichester as a "Youth Missioner" in the Storrington Deanery of West Sussex, where he focused on youth activities, and increasing the congregation with more young people.

A visiting cleric to St Margaret's Church took the service there on Sunday where he informed parishioners of the decision by the Bishop of Rochester to suspend 47-year-old Mr Meier, a father of two young daughters.

"he has huge uncut hair and would wear jeans under his clerical robes, but people took to him..." – local resident

A statement by the Rt Rev James Langstaff, Bishop of Rochester, said: "I am sorry to have to inform you that some matters have been raised concerning the Rev Paul Meier; these arise from events in the past.

"In the light of this, I have withdrawn Paul Meier from the exercise of his ministry until the matter is resolved.

"It is important to emphasise that withdrawing Paul from ministry in this way is a neutral act and does not imply that any decision has been taken in relation to the matters raised.

"During this time responsibility for overseeing the life and ministry of the parish rests with your churchwarden and rural dean, supported by the archdeacon. I am sure that you will give them your full support."

Pressed to say what exactly are the circumstances relating to Mr Meier’s suspension, the Diocese refused to say.

Mr Meier is continuing to live at the rectory in Horsmonden. When contacted there, his wife Saskia said: "He does not wish to speak. You should ask the communications spokesman at the Rochester Diocese."

Parishioners spoke highly of the suspended vicar, who they described as slightly unconventional in his dresswear and approach.

One description of Mr Meier was "hippy-ish".

Rev Meier has been suspended from St Margaret's Church, Horsmonden

One local resident, who asked not to be named, said: "He was very friendly and outgoing. He has huge uncut hair and would wear jeans under his clerical robes, but people took to him. This is all a bit of a puzzle."

Mike Clemson, former vice chairman of the parish council, said: "In my opinion he was a breath of fresh air to the village and I'm very surprised by the letter of the bishop.

"Yes, his style was somewhat unorthodox, but having been to several funeral services taken by him, I liked the sympathy and feeling he conveyed when conducting them."