THE Revd Jarel Robinson-Brown is to serve his title at St Botolph without Aldgate, in London, after a review of the diocese of London’s response to his post on Twitter about Captain Sir Tom Moore was concluded (News, Leader comment, 12 February).
Mr Robinson-Brown apologised in February after writing the comment, shortly after Sir Tom’s death: “The cult of Captain Tom is a cult of White British Nationalism. I will offer prayers for the repose of his kind and generous soul, but I will not be joining the ‘National Clap’.”
A statement from the diocese initially criticised his post and said that the Archdeacon of London, the Ven. Luke Miller, would be investigating. It later said that its review would also consider its own initial response, after Mr Robinson-Brown received racist and homophobic abuse on social media, which the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, condemned.
It had been reported that Mr Robinson-Brown, a former Methodist minister who is now an Anglican ordinand, had secured a title post at All Hallows’ by the Tower, London. On Sunday, however, St Botolph without Aldgate posted on Twitter: “It was announced in church this morning that Jarel Robinson-Brown will join us in July as our Assistant Curate. We are very much looking forward to welcoming him then. Please pray for Jarel and for all those preparing for ordination at Petertide.”
A diocesan spokesperson said on Wednesday: “The internal review into what took place in February 2021 on social media and the events which followed, involving the Diocese of London and Jarel Robinson-Brown, has concluded. The London College of Bishops is reflecting on the findings and will work to ensure that changes are embedded for the future.
“We welcome Jarel as he is ordained as a deacon to serve his curacy at St Botolph without Aldgate. Given the unacceptable racial and homophobic abuse that Jarel has encountered there will be no further public statement.”
Mr Robinson-Brown mentioned former rectors of St Botolph’s in an Instagram post: “It will be an honour to build on the legacy of Fr Ken Leech and Fr Malcolm Johnson as well as joining all the work the faithful are already doing there in a radically inclusive community!”