Former drug user to become vicar (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Former drug user to become vicar

A FORMER drug user is to become a vicar at Bemerton Heath, in Salisbury.

The Reverend Simon Woodley, who originally trained as an architect, got his calling after bouts of depression and unhappiness in his late teens and early 20s.

Admitting that drugs were the only thing that could numb the pain of life, the 38-year-old then realised religion could pull him through.

He embarked on an amazing journey, completed his theology studies at Cambridge, working with young people and becoming a missionary in Pakistan. He has just finished four years as curate at St Martin's Church, in Birmingham city centre, and joins St Michael's and All Angels in his first post as rector.

"People said that I should just do it and so I applied to the Church of England and decided that it was right," said Mr Woodley.

"I do feel quite in touch with young people.

"There are five schools in the area and I'm keen to work with them and build strong links with the community.

"I want to listen and find out what is going on and work together to produce a vision."

A special service, lead by the Right Reverend Peter Hullah, Bishop of Ramsbury, will take place on February 24, when Simon will officially be inducted into the church, in the presence of civic dignitaries and other local figures.

"I love the sense of seeing people grow in themselves, becoming more human and becoming closer to God," said Mr Woodley.

"Life's a journey and helping people on that journey is very humbling, when you've been at the heart of it."