The Rev Michael Johnson with the Vicars Guide Picture Ref: 77181-94A BOOK advising clergy on how to resist some of the oldest temptations has been welcomed by a leading Swindon churchman.

The Vicar's Guide gives survival tips on how to cope with the pressures of the job and advises how to avoid becoming entangled in an inappropriate relationship.

The Evening Advertiser showed a copy of the book to the Dean of Swindon, the Rev Michael Johnson, who has been the vicar of Wroughton for 11 years.

He said it would be a useful item on the bookshelf for both old masters and new people coming into the profession.

Talking about the delicate problem of temptation, Mr Johnson said: "All vicars face temptation every day, like everyone else."

The guide describes the temptations of inappropriate relationships and says: "It requires discipline, personal honesty and a discerning awareness of our own ongoing needs to keep them in proper perspective."

The 195-page guidebook, written by clergymen and women within the Church of England, also looks at the work of the vicar in the community and how that many people today still see the vicar as being wholly responsible for the work church and the parish.

Mr Johnson said: "There is actually a hugely dedicated professional team who run a church. It's like a business. We have to have someone to look after the £100,000 that goes through the books each year, so a vicar has to be able to show leadership, like a manager of a company.

"I currently have around 280 people in Wroughton affiliated with the church, carrying out acts of kindness.

"I couldn't visit all the homes in Wroughton, only a small proportion and you do feel guilty about not being able to visit everyone."

The book suggests ways to deal with that guilt, pointing out that in previous years there were many more clergymen dealing with fewer people.

"Nowadays, most vicars work up to six days a week and Mr Johnson says it is vital that vicars get their rest to avoid burning out before retirement age.

He added: "A recent statistic stated that vicars were more likely to receive abuse than medical staff and even policemen because we are often the only carers in a community because doctors, nurses social workers often live outside the areas they work in.

"Although I have never had any problems, we take precautions and know how to handle ourselves if a person becomes violent."

He has been burgled six times while living in Wroughton and the book advises on how to step up security at vicarages.

The Vicar's Guide and The Curate's Guide from Church House publishing cost £14.99 and £11.99 and is available from Christian Bookshops and by mail order.

Anthony Osborne