StOM 1809 StOM 1809 | Page 19

Bare Faced Cheek It’s difficult to know which was the more gratuitously offensive, Boris (I’ve been off the front pages for too long) Johnson’s comments on those who choose to wear the burka (more correctly the Niqab) or the squirm inducing defence of the racist/sectarian former Foreign Secretary in the right-wing press. One wonders why he didn’t liken Nuns to Penguins or take specific aim at some members of a Capuchin order (see picture opposite) whose habit bears a more than passing resemblance to the garment which Mr Johnson found so offensive and intimidating? Jacob Rees-Mogg, writing in the Daily Express has defended Boris Johnson over his burka comments, while Johnson’s father also leapt to his son's defence, saying he was "spot on" in his comments. The points being made here are not political, they are about cant and hypocrisy amongst those holding, or aspiring to, positions of power in what we profess to be our democratic and open society. For the assistance of Mr Johnson, who I have no doubt is both scrupulously fair and objective in his words and actions, he can next direct his opprobrium to The Capuchin Order…………. I’ll not hold my breath! Anon Prayers for the Sick Please take your Sunday Pew Sheet home (which provides names to add to your own prayer list) and assists you to remember the congregation who are unable to join the service due to illness or infirmity and those whose anniversary falls during that week. 19