Priest prays with animals

A priest from Suffolk has revealed he is accompanied to his church services by a group of animals.

Father Peter MacLeod-Miller, 43, keeps a donkey, lambs, goats and alpacas in a paddock at his rectory and takes them to the church in Barrow.

Australian-born Father MacLeod-Miller said: "Animals are central figures in many Biblical stories. I just find they can help people relax and add interest."

According to BBC online he added: "It's hard to doze off in church when there's a donkey standing in the aisle. People seem to like them."

He keeps two goats, three lambs, three alpacas, 30 chickens and a donkey in a paddock at his rectory.

He takes the animals to services at All Saints Church and uses them when working in schools and making visits.>
From Ananova.

I’m not sure what to think about this. On the one hand, having quadrupeds in the aisles seems like both a likely source of serious irreverence and distraction during the Holy Mysteries, as well as a possible fire hazard. And who knows what sort of “offering” they are likely to leave behind? There is something very off-putting about “May the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you forever. Mind the donkey poo on the way out.”

On the other hand, I guess that anyone who has been to church with me can claim to have worshipped in the company of a jackass, at least on occasion!