I refer once again to the marriage of our Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Carrie (now call me Johnson) Symonds which took place in Westminster Cathedral despite the fact that Johnson has been divorced twice.
So why was he allowed to wed in a Catholic ceremony at the Cathedral when divorce is forbidden by the church and Catholics are not allowed to re-marry?
Well according to the national press the answer is simple - neither of his previous marriages involved a Catholic ceremony and were not recognised by the church. So according to that Johnson has never been legally married before.
Now I may be somewhat naive when it comes to religion, but aren't Catholics and Church of England (or protestants if you prefer) both Christians? And don't they both worship the same God? And aren't people who get married in either churches fully married in the eyes of God?
So what we have here to my mind is the Catholic Church saying "We are the only true faith. We do not recognise any others." This is clearly nonsense and the kind of divide that we had in the 16th century. Obviously today we are more civilised but ultimately taken to its extreme you could be married in an Anglican Church and then, when you fancy a second marriage without jettisoning the first, you just get married again in a Catholic Church. Yes my friends polygamy exists and as Kenneth Williams said in a famous Carry On film "That's bigamy and big of you too" or have I mixed that up with that other Carry On phrase "Infamy, infamy, everyone's got it in for me."
Am I to assume from the above that my marriage in a West Yorkshire Anglican Church in 1976 was a lie and not valid? Have I been - what they would call in the old days - living in sin for 45 years?
I couldn't help imagining Henry VIII coming back to claim his throne. It has to be pointed out that he died in 1547 and Buckingham Palace didn't come into existence when it was known as Buckingham House until 1705. But here is my interpretation.
Henry VIII resplendent in doublet and hose strides down a London Street and approaches a Londoner who holds back a snigger at the way Henry is dressed.
King Henry - Prithee serf. I am here to claim back my crown.
Local peasant - Strewth Governor where did you find those clothes? Is there a fancy dress party? You look just like that fat bloke what was king.
King Henry - I am King Henry VIII, come to claim back my throne. I hear there has been more unrest amongst the Catholic peasants.
Local peasant - Mate I don't know who you are but you might want to seek medical help.
King Henry - Be quiet insolent dog or I will have you thrown in the Tower.
Local peasant - Blimey mate you're a bit late for that.
King Henry - Be quiet or verily you will lose thy head.
Local peasant - Alright mate, enough clowning about. To reclaim a throne you'll need to put in an application in triplicate (sniggers). Otherwise you best bugger off to Buck House.
King Henry - Buck House - what is that.
Local peasant - It's the home of the Royal family. Well one of their homes when they're not at Windsor, Sandringham or that there place in Scotland.
King Henry - Aaah yes Windsor Castle. I dearly loved that place. It belongs to me now that I have returned.
Peasant - I reckon you're a few straws short of a thatched roof if you ask me. So if you are who you say you are why are you here? (he holds back another snigger).
King Henry - I'm here to inform your leader Johnson that due to the Catholic faith being no longer recognised, his latest marriage is annulled. He will be arrested by my guards and taken to the Tower where he will have his head chopped off.
Peasant - Could you make sure he has a decent haircut first mate!
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Whilst on the subject of religion (well not really) our dedication of the memorial to the 97 soldiers who lost their lives in the massacre at Le Paradis is in the press.
You can read the story in the Eastern Daily Press by following this link:
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/royal-norfolk-regiment-le-paradis-memorial-norwich-cathedral-8016936
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Had an early morning visit to the local surgery for a blood pressure check. A few years ago I went along and it was grotesquely high. It was so high they considered sending me straight to hospital. That triggered my get fit campaign which is still going on with walks, tennis and gym.
There seems no rhyme or reason behind my blood pressure. On Monday I felt nice and relaxed after a pleasant Bank Holiday, checked my pressure in the evening and it was high. On other days when I have felt rather stressed it is relatively low. It doesn't make sense.
I am told that for my age a reading of anything lower than 140 over 90 is fine and my stats come within that, so, as they say, I'm good to go for a few more miles yet.