Chai Brady
Former MP Jonathan Aitken A former MP in the UK, who was imprisoned for perjury, is to be ordained by a Church of England bishop.
Jonathan Aitken (75) was a Conservative politician before being convicted of perjury and perverting the course of justice in 1999. He is to be ordained by the first female bishop of London Dame Sarah Mullally and plans to become a prison chaplain.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, he said he was looking forward to it: “I am having a slight struggle tempering my enthusiasm with proper Christian humility.”
Mr Aitken served seven months in jail before being released in 2000.
His ordination will take place later this month, June 30, and will serve at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Statement
In a statement the diocese of London said: “There are due to be 38 candidates ordained as deacons at St Paul’s Cathedral this Petertide.
“They all come from widely varying backgrounds, which have brought them together on the path to ordination.
“Jonathan Aitken, like his fellow candidates, has been through the process of discernment. He has carried out theological studies and, per the Diocese’s formal procedures, a risk assessment and the other necessary checks have been carried out.
“Once ordained, his specific focus will be on prison ministry.”
While he was in prison Mr Aitken became part of a prayer group which included an armed robber, a blower (someone who cracks safes), a kiter (a cheque forger), two murderers and a dipper (a pickpocket).