Tuesday 21 (Saints & Martyrs of Africa)

I was most upset by yesterday's announcements. None of us is perfect, but I certainly did not expect such serious criticism from my fellow-ordinands with whom I have always tried to get on well, despite their odd quirks and off-beat views. It was most embarrassing to hear it suggested that I am self-centred and unfriendly, and their criticism of my Christian belief and the way I express it was not only an insult to me, but verged on the blasphemous. Naturally I refuted their fallacious views, pointing out that it was they rather than I who had departed from the true faith, and adding that if I am "unfriendly" in the future it will be the direct result of these false and hurtful allegations. I could tell from the look in our Tutor's eyes that at least he understood, and although he too is not always entirely orthodox, I have grown to accept his judgement in most matters.