Beyond the Collar: Confessions of a Vicar by MARK EDWARDS
Category: Adult: Spirituality /Relationships / Marriage and Family Can a damaged child become a successful priest? Mark Edwards’ story of life behind the dog collar is an honest, moving and sometimes hilarious account of a man who is determined to be true to God and to his priestly calling, despite a growing conflict between his…
Category: Adult: Spirituality /Relationships / Marriage and Family
Can a damaged child become a successful priest? Mark Edwards’ story of life behind the dog collar is an honest, moving and sometimes hilarious account of a man who is determined to be true to God and to his priestly calling, despite a growing conflict between his personal struggle with faith and what he is paid to believe. The past casts a long shadow over Mark’s new life as a parish priest. His first curacy is an unmitigated disaster. A return visit to the children’s home he left under a cloud as a teenager reveals that Mark remains scarred by the rejections and turbulent emotions of his childhood. These insecurities, combined with a serious health problem, lead to misunderstandings with his first training vicar, a siege mentality in the curate’s house and a dramatic outburst in the bishop’s palace. Mark is so disillusioned with the church hierarchy that he gives God three months to turn things around.
PRESS REVIEWS
‘ An irresistible read nakedly candid, forthright and impressive ‘ Quentin Letts Daily Mail
Mark Edwards takes the reader on a personal emotional roller-coaster, while conveying what it’s like to be a vicar in a Northern industrial town ”
The Independent
A powerful and Honest Auto Biography The Telegraph
‘ Courageous and inspiring ‘ The Times
‘ Honest and Revealing ‘ – Independent Television Lorraine Kelly
This is a book that seesaws the reader from fits of giggles on one page to swirling depths of emotion on the next . BBC Television.
” A refreshingly honest and candid insight into the private life of a public figure ”
Northwest Evening Mail Cumbria
” A refreshing down to earth account of the difficulties and challenges facing a Vicar and his family”
( Church of England Newspaper )
‘ Powerful and Revealing..’
Natalie Haynes ( booker prize judge )
The Times
“A very endearing read”
Five Star Review on Amazon By Mrs. R. J. Wilson
What a great read. I am very impressed by anyone who chooses the right path to take. No one says it’s ever easy, but life is a journey. The support you have is immense.
Well done and carry on with the good work you do.
About the Author
I have been married 30 years and have 4 children. My journey towards healing and wholeness from a child in care, mental health patient and homeless young man has been long and challenging, but its a journey I have had to make in order to move on from being a victim.