Advice needed, what would you do?

[Pookeyhead]

I'm sorry to say that I have seen that in action - I remember making quite a formal complaint against a particular member of the clergy some years ago (nothing to do with weddings), and I was rewarded with serious threats against my health and a fair amount of intimidation.

Then call the police?

 

[Lindsay D]

Then call the police?

Of course I told the police

And they went to see him, and got fed a load of b*llocks, and that was that. Unfortunately the police can't or won't do anything until a person making threats actually acts on those threats. The other problem I had is that the witnesses were too scared to be named - that's how intimidating this particular clergyman is. They feared for the consequences - it was ghastly.

 

[big soft moose]

The other problem I had is that the witnesses were too scared to be named - that's how intimidating this particular clergyman is. They feared for the consequences - it was ghastly.

Another charming asset to the christian faith ... My immediate instinct is that he needs a firm kick in the crotch ( you know how i feel about men who pick on women) , however assaulting clergymen is also likely to end badly

 

[sbowler579]

A sad tale indeed, unfortunately many religious people very seldom listen to there own words.

 

[Lindsay D]

Another charming asset to the christian faith ... My immediate instinct is that he needs a firm kick in the crotch ( you know how i feel about men who pick on women) , however assaulting clergymen is also likely to end badly

I suspect they'll recruit just about anyone these days.

He doesn't just pick on women - and there aren't too many people out there who could get the best of him in a fight. I think he considers himself unassailable, physically and otherwise.

 

[Pookeyhead]

If only it were that simple David. The church allows photography on a discretionary basis (or at least that is my understanding) therefore withdrawing that privilege is unlikely to be seen as impedance..

I'm talking about physically assaulting someone That's a matter of law.

As for the other... as I said. That's between the client and the church. The photographer was clearly prevented from doing his job, so he's not really got anything to worry about, surely.

 

[Lindsay D]

I'm talking about physically assaulting someone That's a matter of law.

As for the other... as I said. That's between the client and the church. The photographer was clearly prevented from doing his job, so he's not really got anything to worry about, surely.

When it's the church who can choose if the photographer is allowed to do his job or not, that complicates the situation I think. By telling the photographer to stop, the church and its representatives are within their rights - even when the photographer has done nothing wrong and has behaved correctly. The only recourse in this instance would be straightforward assault via a complaint to the police with witness testimonials, unrelated to anything else. That wouldn't be a church matter, nor could the client demand any remedy from the church directly (at least not unless an assault charge was able to stick).

 

[Pookeyhead]

When it's the church who can choose if the photographer is allowed to do his job or not, that complicates the situation I think. By telling the photographer to stop, the church and its representatives are within their rights

Which absolves the photographer of any responsibility. If he was prevented from shooting, then the agency to blame is the church if the wedding images are ruined as a result.

The only recourse in this instance would be straightforward assault via a complaint to the police with witness testimonials

Which is what I said

nor could the client demand any remedy from the church directly (at least not unless an assault charge was able to stick).

But they can't claim it from the photographer either if he was physically prevented from taking the images required.

 

[Lindsay D]

No, the bride and groom can't claim remedy from the photographer - in this case there is no indication that the client has held the photographer at fault. The matter rests with the vicar, who is probably going about his daily business quite normally, with little likelihood of sanction (unless the photographer presses the matter with the law, which is unlikely). No doubt the clients will get some sort of letter fobbing them off and that will be that.

 

[ChasG]

I would have turned the other cheek

 

[big soft moose]

I would have turned the other cheek

jesus tried that... it got him crucified

I'm more of 'an eye for an eye' kind of bloke

 

[Mark-Anthony]

here is the second message i received when it got passed to the midlands

"Dear Mark

I have just received details of your complaint about a wedding at Amington last Saturday. I am sorry for what was clearly a bad experience for yourself and the wedding party, something we would never wish to be the case.

It is part of my responsibility to deal with complaints such as these, and I wanted to contact you as soon as I was informed. The details I have don't seem to have a contact number. I wonder if there is one I can call you on to discuss the way forward.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards

Ven Simon Heathfield
Archdeacon of Aston"

 

[Lindsay D]

Mark, before any discussion you will need to be absolutely clear in your mind what you want to happen, or what you feel the best recommendation should be. For example, would you want the offender to be removed from post/banged up/shot? Or would you be happy with a personal apology from him to yourself and your client, and so forth ....

 

[Pookeyhead]

An apology from the "Man of God" would be a start.

 

[Silvermuir]

Sounds like Father Jack . I've done quite a few weddings as a videographer and a few as a photographer and never encountered that before, if I were you I'd just chalk it up to one of those crazy things that happens now and again, I once had a drunk guy from Glasgow shouting at me in the streets of Edinburgh, I was carrying my steadicam arm on the way to a film shoot and he thought it was a gun....he said he was ready to jump me and stab me, there are some nutters out there!.

 

[Pookeyhead]

Sounds like Father Jack .

That would be an ecumenical matter

 

[Lindsay D]

..... if I were you I'd just chalk it up to one of those crazy things that happens now and again, I once had a drunk guy from Glasgow shouting at me in the streets of Edinburgh, I was carrying my steadicam arm on the way to a film shoot and he thought it was a gun....he said he was ready to jump me and stab me, there are some nutters out there!.

Well, the guy in question is a man of the cloth, preaching to a congregation on subjects such as morality, honesty, and good conduct - on duty, engaged in his work, for which he is being paid. Not quite the same as a drunk on the street (although possibly getting free wine).

 

[rich_]

I hope you get the answer you're looking for. Maybe take it offline for the next bout off writing anything that may be (mis)interpreted as defamatory or slanderous towards the person you mention, in case you actually progress down a legal route rather than collective bashing on a forum! If nothing else, you don't want them knowing your game plan!

 

[Silvermuir]

Well, the guy in question is a man of the cloth, preaching to a congregation on subjects such as morality, honesty, and good conduct - on duty, engaged in his work, for which he is being paid. Not quite the same as a drunk on the street (although possibly getting free wine).

It's all been said, the OP handled it correctly, i'm just saying one day its a drunk guy the next it's a crazy vicar

 

[Mark-Anthony]

Tbh I only raised the complaint as I was livid at the time. Now a few days has passed, I've calmed down a whole lot. Ideally, with my complaint and the couples complaint, something serious will be done. I'd like for them to receive some fee back from the church as they paid x amount for the service which they didn't receive.

on the up side, I've never seen so many phone cameras come out when it happened.


people will do anything for 100 likes on facebook

 

[ianp5a]

As a pro, just do what is best for business. Keep your head down and avoid upsetting anyone where it might risk a sale.
I've profited from working with prickly people whom the others try to avoid. Bite your tongue and carry on.

 

[big soft moose]

As a pro, just do what is best for business. Keep your head down and avoid upsetting anyone where it might risk a sale.
I've profited from working with prickly people whom the others try to avoid. Bite your tongue and carry on.

telling him that if he touches you again you'll f*** him up good and burn his church down might be more satisfying, but probably won't end well in the longrun

 

[Mark-Anthony]