Read Excerpts

A Priest's Tale:

Autobiography of a Gay Priest

by Fr. Donald Andrew Dodman

Author's Notes

When I sat down one day and started making notes about some of the humourous anecdotes that have occurred in my life, I never dreamed I would end up writing my autobiography. The idea to record some of the amusing stories I would recount in conversations was planted by a friend. At first I think I laughed at the idea. Over time, however, I found myself intrigued with the possibility. I was retired. I had plenty of time. So, one day I started sketching out a few incidents. A few led to several as the writing began to feed on itself and one memory would spark others. It wasn't until I had ten or more recollections written out that I began to wonder if there wasn't a book in it. The Amusing Anecdotes of a Anglican Priest, perhaps?

My partner, Devan, and I were in the early stages of our courtship at the time. He was very encouraging when I spoke of the writing and the fact that I could see it evolving into something more than just personal recollections I might share with friends and family. Of course, I was still thinking in terms of a short collection of amusing stories. It was Devan who suggested that it could easily be something more cohesive if I linked these separate tales to each other and "flesh things out a bit". Who knew, I might even end up writing my memoirs!

The "fleshing out" process took longer than I expected, a few years. But with each draft, the work as a whole was improved. The narrative took shape and a natural theme of religion and sexuality developed without completely taking over. The primary aim of the book is to tell the story of one gay priest's life. You will not find in its pages sordid scandals, legal battles with church hierarchy, or a renunciation of faith. What I do hope you will discover through the unfolding events of my life is that the carnal and the divine are not forces in opposition, but forces of balance. The flesh and the spirit are inextricably wed. In my view, to deny the grandeur of either is to depreciate the gift of life given by the Creator. I also hope you will have a good laugh, as the amusing stories that were the genisis this autobiography are all still there, as well as a few I hadn't thought to include in the early drafts.

Throughout this adventure my partner, Devan, has been my diligent editor, and I can say with complete confidence this book would not be as good as it is if not for his devoted assistance and support. Not to mention he's the one who understands all the techie things, like making webpages. I must also thank the numerous friends who suffered through the early drafts and offered excellent, practical advice. Their input was of enormous help in crafting a more complete narrative, and for affirming some of the changes Devan thought should be made, which I was initially against.

I hope all who read the book enjoy it! The writing of it has certainly been a unique and gratifying experience for me.