I first met John in April 1996. Having recently joined LGCM, with some trepidation I ventured out to a meeting of the Essex Group at his house in Chelmsford. The warmth of his welcome drew me into the group, and I became part of it for several years. John went through some very difficult experiences, but he kept his Christian faith and devoted his energy to befriending other struggling people and making the path easier for them. He was very sociable, and always wanted to involve a wide circle of friends in the significant moments of his life. One of my happy memories is of the party and brass band concert held for his 65th birthday, where all the guests who were ordained were asked to wear their clerical collars to show that it was OK to be Christian and gay! Ray Vincent