A priest earned a stern telling-off from the Church of England’s diocese of Southwark after he ‘liked’ four pictures of a naked man and his genitalia on Twitter.
The Reverend Michael Todd tried to claim that the pictures he liked were of a naturist – but a tribunal run for the bishop of Southwark ruled that they were “explicit” instead.
But “the emphasis on the genitalia suggests otherwise,” the investigation into Reverend Todd’s conduct said.
The Reverend Todd’s ‘likes’ were discovered by a press officer for the diocese of Southwark scrolling through its Twitter feed.
“The clergy are called to an exemplary standard of moral behaviour. This goes beyond what is legally acceptable: a distinction can be made between what is legal and what is morally acceptable.
“There is no separation between the public and home life of the clergy: at all times and in all places, they should manifest the highest standards of personal conduct.”
A rebuke is the least serious punishment the Church of England can give its priests. The investigation ruled against making Reverend Todd undergo any further training.
Reverend Todd also works for the Children’s Society charity as a fundraiser.
His Twitter profile – since taken down – read: “Anglican Priest working for a National Social Justice Charity. Interests in faith and spirituality, social justice equality and inclusion. Views entirely my own.”