A priest’s hilarious response to a ‘sexy’ text message sent to him in error has gone viral – after he invited the sender to MASS.
Father Simon Rundell, who describes himself as an ‘iPriest’, wrongly received a text saying ‘U ok sexy? Are u in work tomorrow? X’.
The Church of England priest responded: “Yes, I’m saying Mass at 9.30 & 11.15, but I’m guessing you didn’t intend to text a priest on this one.”
He then shared the screen shot online and received a flurry of attention, to the delight of his 3,600 followers.
Tech-savvy Father Simon, of the Diocese of Exeter serving in Plymouth, Devon, describes himself as a ‘progressive, radical Anglocatholic Parish iPriest’.
The hilarious exchange was liked thousands of times and received plenty of equally funny responses to it.
Steven Wood wrote: “Maybe it was meant for you. No reason why someone can’t think you are sexy father.”
While Ed Sinclair wrote: “He gives good Mass”
But behind the scenes Fr Simon continued the conversation and uncovered further information.
He later tweeted: “…turns out the texter was not my type: a bloke.”
Fr Simon Rundell said: “I didn’t think it was any more ‘hilarious’ than many of the other amusing things I tweet as the news media have suggested – nor did it ‘have me in stiches’.
“My twitter stream is an active part of my ministry to people who might have limited opportunity to reflect on matters of faith, and the sometimes amusing things that happen to many priests, like this, is part of day-to-day ministry and life.
“As usual, I thought it would amuse and be recognised by those who normally follow me on Twitter.
“I have been surprised that such a thing, which wasn’t really much after all, would go viral. Such is the nature of digital communication.
“The MA I am currently studying for is looking at Theology in a Digital context. It’s almost as if I have myself become one of my case studies.”
