Minister has a talent when it comes to raising funds

Clergy have a daunting task in making the words of scripture relevant to more and more secular-inclined congregations. But Church of Ireland minister Canon Paul Hoey has certainly found ways of engaging with his Eglinton parishioners. Having previously invited an Elvis impersonator to perform gospel songs in the church, he is now handing out £2,000 to parishioners to see if they can use their talents — as in the Gospel parable — to turn a profit.

The money is desperately needed to repair the church and parish hall which were damaged in floods last year.

If the exercise is successful perhaps it could be renamed — Eglinton’s Got Talent.