Hot Under The Collar: A Life in the Church

"Hot Under The Collar" is a thoughtful, candid, moving and amusing look at life as an Anglican vicar.

Basil Jenkyns' forthright approach to ministry and practical engagement with the needs of his parishioners was often picked up by local and national media that were quick to describe him as 'outspoken' and 'controversial'.

As one parishioner described him, "He disturbs the comfortable and comforts the disturbed."

Above and beyond media characterisations, Basil Jenkyns' approach to ministry involved full and frank engagement with what really mattered to members of Church and parish. It did not always endear him to the senior hierarchy of the Church.

This meant developing many skills from scratch: running youth clubs, supporting those in need, visiting hospitals and prisons, raising funds, conserving and beautifying churches, resolving conflicts, working with ministers of other denominations and faiths, reviving and motivating congregations, and much more. He was at one time or another considered an authority on 'youth matters', building conservation and even 'high finance'. Although he made contributions in many fields, he never claimed expertise or authority in any. Despite opportunities to advance within the hierarchy of the Church, Basil Jenkyns preferred to follow a vocation with his congregation in the parish.

"Every parish should hope for a Vicar like Basil Jenkyns." Elizabeth Howells, lay reader, daughter of the vicarage, poet.

Basil Jenkyns was born in South Wales, UK in 1930. Educated at the universities of Lampeter and Oxford, he was ordained in the Church of England and ministered in some of the most demanding parishes in London, Lancashire, the west of England and Wales. Though he preferred the role of a priest active in the parish, immersed in community concerns, he regularly made news locally and nationally with views considered controversial at the time. He was created a Prebendary of Wells Cathedral.