Church appoints minister to look after vets

A Glaswegian reverend in Newcastle has been appointed the Church of Scotland’s first ever dedicated minister for the veterinary community.

A father of two, the Rev Allan Wright is a working vet himself and has run a practice with his wife, Sharon, in Birtley, County Durham, for the past 18 months.

The 33-year-old was ordained at the Parish Church of St Andrew in Newcastle on Saturday and inducted as the Presbytery of England’s Pioneer Minister to the Veterinary Community.

On top of his plan to visit all vet practices within 30 minutes of Newcastle, Mr Wright will also carry out pastoral support duties with the Kirk north of the border – all while keeping his own job as a vet.

He said: “I am excited and daunted about taking up this new role, a calling which enables me to combine both my passions.

“The profession needs a supportive ear, pastoral support, a holistic approach to the welfare of staff and a real anchor in someone.

“I understand the struggles and the pressure because I am a vet and I will be there for all those who work in practices without judgment and agenda.

“Veterinary medicine is a stressful, time consuming and mentally-draining occupation and is often an overlooked industry in society.

“There is so much in the Bible about caring for creation which is what we do on a daily basis – vets follow God’s command to look after nature.”

He added: “Due to the increased expectation to work on Sundays those vets who previously attended church find it difficult to become part of a new worshipping community.”