The following is an excerpt from Sir Cliff Richard's recently released memoirs: "John and I have over time struck up a close friendship. He has also become a companion, which is great because I don't like living alone, even now... People often make the mistake of thinking that only marriage equals happiness. I may suddenly meet someone and feel differently, but right now I am not sure marriage would enhance my happiness... As for my sexuality, I am sick to death of the media's speculation about it. What business is it of anyone else's what any of us are as individuals?... Same-sex marriages are perhaps a modern example of how things have changed. I think the Church must come round and see people as they are now. Gone are the days when we assumed loving relationships would be solely between men and women."
The "John" Sir Cliff refers to is one Father John McElynn, a 53-year-old who he met in New York "which prompted the priest to take a year out of working for the Church."
Sir Cliff raises some good points; the Church should come round and see people as they are now - but there's little chance of that happening until certain, let's say well-respected pop stars with a massive middle-aged following, lead by example and come out proudly. Then again, what one does behind shut doors is indeed their own business...
