Reverend Richard Coles has followed in the footsteps of his ancestors, acting as the vicar of Finedon where two members of his family were vicars during the 17th century. However, Richard has not always led such a serene life having formerly been a member of the band The Communards in the 1980s. Richard was initially part of Bronski Beat playing the saxophone but left to form The Communards with Jimmy Sommerville. The band were critically successful, gaining three top 10 hits and the biggest selling single of 1986 with Don’t Leave Me This Way.
The Communards split in 1988, and Richard moved on to pursue a vocation to God after inspiration struck at a St Alban’s mass. Richard went on to attend Kings College studying a BA in Theology and beginning to practise Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism. By 2003, Richard began to train as a priest, attending the College of Resurrection. After he was ordained in 2005, Richard has acted as a curate at both St Paul’s Church in London and St Botolph’s Church in Boston and is currently the Vicar of Finedon.
Richard has unfortunately been subject to discrimination as a priest, due to his sexuality. Openly gay and one of the most recognisable gay reverends, Richard has faced opposition throughout his career and struggled with adversity throughout his life. Growing up in the 70s, Richard came to the realisation that he was gay during a time when it was very hostile to be. After coming out to his family, Richard found it very hard to cope with the judgement of the 70s society. Unfortunately, due to such exclusion and discrimination, Richard was driven to suicide, attempting a drug overdose which ultimately saw him end up in a psychiatric hospital. Surviving the attempt, Richard now uses the adversity that drove him to depression as fuel to help others who are struggling through hard times, advocating the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Alongside his work as a priest, Richard is now frequently seen on television. He has previously appeared on programs such as Would I Lie To You?, Have I Got News For You and QI. Richard has also dabbled in presenting, acting as the co-presenter of Saturday Live for Radio 4. Other television credits include Celebrity Masterchef, The Big Painting Challenge and Strictly Come Dancing.
Richard has also forged a popular reputation as an after-dinner speaker. With a unique story of pop star turned priest, Richard provides entertaining tales of his life story. Richard is also able to provide a serious address on the importance of diversity and inclusion, campaigning for equality of members of the LGBT community. A prominent figure of the LGBT community, Richard has overcome adversity, discrimination and exclusion to become the successful man he is today and is passionate to ensure that other do not have to experience what he did. Reverend Richard Coles is the perfect speaker to inspire a diverse workforce, and ensure that inclusion is at the top of your agenda.
