With this book I be wed

Sep 3 2006 By Anuji Varma

DIVORCED vicars are finding love again - thanks to a Christian dating agency in the Midlands.

A growing number of lonely reverends are logging onto the Friendsfirst website to find a lifelong companion.

Now Reverend David Robertson, who remarried after finding a Midland wife through the agency, has written a book titled Risking Romance Again: Dating After Divorce.

The move shows the extent of the Church Of England's growing acceptance of divorce.

Revd Robertson, who married Worcester-born Gill in a church, said last night: "I heard about the dating agency through a friend.

"After my divorce I found myself in a situation where I was a divorced lone parent and vicar of a parish. I was finding it difficult to meet new people.

"I joined up and eventually met Gill. It's not just a dating agency, it's an introduction to new people. Without it, I never would have met my wife. My marriage has been broadly accepted by the clergy."

The father-of-four, from Halifax, was asked to produce a book for Friendsfirst after voicing his own experiences and having meetings with separated parishioners.

The company also caters for clients who are not divorced.

"It's not a book about the morality of divorce or about remarrying," he said. "It looks at issues that arise when you have a new relationship, and I draw on my own experiences."

The Friendsfirst website commends itself on bringing Christians together for friendship and relationships, and has a string of positive comments from members of the clergy. Revd Brian Nicholls,

general superintendent of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, writes: "It is clear that Friendsfirst offers a safe and quality service which will meet the needs of many who are seeking wholesome contact with good friends.

"I am happy to commend your work."

And the Revd Canon John Hughes, from Birmingham, adds: "Friendsfirst is meeting a real need.

"It takes the pressure off couples and allows them to meet one another in a more relaxed way. I am very encouraged by the response there has been to Friendsfirst."

The firm stresses that it is not just internet-based and people can join by writing to them.

Members are asked to provide a profile, which is given to the agency, and then passed on to suitable partners or friends.

It also offers trips aboard and other social events including salsa dancing and quiz nights.

The Church's General Synod only permitted divorcees to remarry in church four years ago. A third of single Christians are estimated to be divorcees.

Revd Robertson's book is available from Christian bookshops, Friendsfirst or Amazon, priced £7.99. For more information log on to website www.friends1st.co.uk.