Orange Order Chaplain at centre of Papal joke storm
A clergyman, at the centre of a storm over mimicking the ailing Pope, almost provoked a walkout when he told jokes about the Pontiff at a previous function, it emerged tonight.
The Rev Stephen Dickinson is facing calls to resign after his impression of the John Paul II at a gospel rally near Lisburn Co Antrim in February.
The Co Antrim-based Presbyterian Minister admitted making a joke at the Pope’s expense but denied mocking his struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
Mr Dickinson, Grand Chaplain of the Orange Order, said he had “taken the mickey” out of Pope John Paul II but had not meant to cause any offence.
“The joke was neither meant to be anti-Catholic, nor was it anti-Parkinson’s,” he said.
“I would unreservedly apologise to anybody who would take offence at what was reported,” he added.
But Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Dillon said today that Mr Dickinson had also caused great offence last September at the Lord Mayor of Lisburn’s inaugural dinner.
“He left a lot to be desired. There was nearly a walkout because he was derogatory about the Catholic faith and the Pope.
“Any Catholics that were there were offended. Some Protestants also felt uncomfortable,” he said.
Mr Dickinson, who is resisting calls to resign, accused Mr Dillon of jumping on the bandwagon.
“I told jokes about Dr Paisley who was sitting there that night,” he said.
“Dave Allen used to tell jokes about the Pope. The jokes I told were nothing like his and the BBC put him in a TV slot,” he added.
Mr Dickinson claimed his actions were being blown out of all proportion.
“It is mischievous. It happened in February and is only reported two days after the Pope has died.
“People are now saying they are offended but why did it take them so long?” he added.
But Sam Foster, a former Stormont Environment Minister, who had to retire because of Parkinson’s disease, labelled his impression of the Pope an absolute disgrace.
“You don’t make mockery of Parkinson’s disease. You don’t make a mockery of any disease whatsoever,” he said.
“I think it is totally and entirely uncalled for, grossly offensive and very, very insulting.”
Alliance councillor for Belfast David Alderdice said that while religious leaders should be allowed a sense of humour, Mr Dickinson’s actions displayed a lack of understanding and sensitivity.
“Making jokes at the expense of someone who was extremely ill at the time, no matter who it was, is something Rev Dickinson obviously needs to think hard about,” he added.
