Celebrations for priest’s 60 years

Rev. Ian Robins who is celebrating 60 years in the Church of England priesthood pictured at home with his Gertrude.
Photo Ben Parsons — Rev. Ian Robins who is celebrating 60 years in the Church of England priesthood pictured at home with his Gertrude. Photo Ben Parsons

He hit the headlines when he clashed with traditionalist bishops over his unwavering support for the ordination of women, and quit one parish because he was tired of parents who wanted their children baptised but were unwilling to commit themselves to God.

And although he is now 84 years old and not as mobile as he would like, his beliefs and principles are as strong as ever.

Parishioners will gather at Whalley Parish Church on Sunday morning to celebrate the diamond anniversary of what Mr Robins describes as “not a double act but a triple act – God, myself and my wife Gertrude.”

He says: “I could not have done it without her consistent help and support.

“I have supported the ordination of women because I find it offensive to consider women as subordinate to men in carrying out God’s work.”

Mr Robins’father, the Rev Donald Robins, was a vicar in Leeds and founded the St George’s Crypt rescue centre, which is still running today.

He said: “I used to sit and listen to his preaching. It was so full of the love of God.”

The young Ian trained for the Anglican priesthood, and at his first church as deacon, in St Anne’s, he met his wife-to-be, who was leading the youth group.

He was curate at St Mary’s Clitheroe, then for 10 years was vicar of Trawden until he left to become head of religious education at St Christopher’s C of E High Shool, Accrington.

He returned to parish work and since retiring from St Annes has deputised at Ribble Valley churches.

He still takes services at Whalley Parish Church and Whalley Abbey.