Minister mysteriously resigns (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Minister mysteriously resigns

ANGRY worshippers have mounted a campaign to reinstate a popular minister who resigned last week amid rumours that he did not fit in with the local community.

Congregations at St Lawrence's Church in Chesterton had doubled since African-born Kola Tayo took up his post in November last year.

But church-goers were shocked to learn earlier this month that Kola had resigned.

Since then the Standard has received several letters expressing concern at Kola's departure.

One letter read: "It is with shock and sadness that we learn of Kola's resignation, particularly in light of the wonderful work he has begun in our town, forging links with the community at large as well as the other Christian bodies within our town."

Posters with the slogan 'Save Kola' have been spotted in prominent positions around the town and it is believed a petition is also circulating among worshippers.

This week Kola spoke exclusively to the Standard about his time working in Cirencester.

Although he refused to comment on why he had left St Lawrence's he admitted he was touched at the support he had received from the local community.

He said: "I tried to do my job as well as I could. If people have written in they have obviously expressed what they feel."

During the six months he spent in Cirencester Kola built up a good working relationship with local schools and youth groups.

He said: "I wish them all well and I will miss them, I have made wonderful friends here. People have helped me settle down.

"The kids in the estate they are wonderful, they may not be everyone's cup of tea but they are great kids.

"The same children you see today you could see in five years time and they have totally changed. If you put yourself in their shoes you might not be able to do anything different."

Kola, who is set to move back to Hull this week, said he did not know what the future held for him.

He said: "I will practice what I preach and trust God, I say it with a smile but it is not very clear. Often we do not get a choice in life.

"Like any job, anything could happen. I was given some time but I chose to go early, the less disruption the better.

"I will miss St Lawrence's, it is a great church but I would like to wish the parish all the best."

Dennis Hill, who lived next door to Kola in Chesterton, said he will be sorely missed not only by worshippers at St Lawrence but by the community as a whole.

He said: "We are very upset, we have got to know him well and hold him in very high esteem. I do not go to his church but we have got to know him and have great respect for him as a person. He has a passion for young people and he will be sorely missed."

To date the parish has not yet commented on the reasons for Kola's resignation.

The Rev Michael St John Channel told the Standard last week that meetings were being held after which more information would be released but no one from the office was available to comment as the Standard went to press.