THE father of a Welsh soldier killed in Afghanistan accused a bishop yesterday of “hijacking” his son’s funeral service for political propaganda. Dennis Robinson criticised Bishop Thomas Burns for “diminishing” the commemoration of Bombardier Samuel Robinson’s life by delivering an “incredibly long diatribe” on armed forces funding.
Bishop Burns is Bishop of the West Wales Roman Catholic diocese of Menevia and a former Bishop of the Forces. In his funeral address, he voiced an appeal for better funding for the Army.
Mr Robinson yesterday told the Western Mail: “I just feel there were very few words of comfort from the bishop whatsoever. This is the most difficult thing any of us will ever have to deal with and I feel completely let down by the Church.
“If that is all the support that religion can give at a time like this, then I want no part of it.”
After the service, Mr Robinson said he told the bishop his sermon had made him proud to be an atheist.
He added: “To use this kind of political propaganda was wholly inappropriate and totally diminished what was supposed to be an acknowledgment of my son’s life. We hoped it would give us some closure.
“It was an incredibly long diatribe, which centred on army funding and not the loss which we had suffered. It could not have been more inappropriate.”
Bishop Thomas said cuts in funding of the war were not the answer and said there was a moral imperative that British soldiers should have all the equipment required to complete their task safely.
It is not the first time the bishop has made such a call. In April he made a similar plea at the funeral of Fusilier Jonathan Burgess, 20, of Townhill, Swansea.
Mr Robinson, 61, said he felt insulted when he discovered a similar service had been delivered before.
“I was told by one of the soldiers that the same sermon had been given, almost word for word, at the funeral of a soldier in April,” he said. “It just goes to show that very little thought had been given to Samuel, his life and the grief of his family.”
Samuel’s sister Corinna Robinson said she had written a letter of complaint to the bishop.
“We were devastated that the service was hijacked in such a way,” she said.
“The fact that Sam was killed by an explosive device and not through any lack of equipment or funding, just goes to highlight how unrelated the long sermon was to my brother.”
Bishop Burns has been a vociferous critic of the Ministry of Defence, complaining that troops’ activities are often jeopardised by poor equipment, outmoded vehicles and “inadequate apparel”.
Yesterday the bishop said his thoughts were with Samuel’s family but refused to be drawn about the criticism of his sermon.
In a statement he said: “I respect Mr Robinson’s personal views and I share in the grief of him and his family at the loss of wonderful son [sic].”
Clifford Longley, commentator on religious affairs, said he believed the bishop’s reading was ill-judged.
“Bishop Tom was a top Catholic chaplain to the Army (though he used to be a Royal Navy chaplain). So he knows whereof he speaks.
“Clearly he has caused upset, and that would certainly not have been his intention. Bishop Burns has been outspoken on this subject before, and I know feels he has a duty to speak up for the interests and welfare of ordinary British soldiers.
“Clearly on this occasion that was not appreciated, and some fences need to be mended. In general funerals should not be used as political platforms, but no doubt the bishop thought he had a duty to discharge. But it was ill-judged, obviously, as it did not have the effect intended. But the bishop’s heart surely is in the right place.”
Labour backbencher Paul Flynn MP, a staunch opponent of the war in Afghanistan, said it was totally inappropriate to deliver a political message at a funeral.
“I find it extraordinary that anyone would think it appropriate to deliver any political messages at such a sensitive time,” he said.
“The pulpit of the Prince of Peace should never be used in such a way.
“The fact that Samuel Robinson was killed by an explosive device makes the sermon even more impersonal and indicates that this was a piece of political propaganda.”
Meanwhile, Mr Robinson said he was grateful the Army had been so supportive.
“Thankfully eulogies were read out by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hayhurst and we heard about the kind of person my son was. That at least was of great comfort. We totally support the troops in Afghanistan and know that Sam died doing the job he loved.”
Bombardier Robinson was described by his colleagues as “the ultimate professional” and an outstanding example to all of the soldiers in the regiment.
SIC: WOUK