Cliff Richard tells of friendship with ex-priest

Cliff Richard: says the church must come round to accepting same-sex marriages

BRITAIN: CLIFF RICHARD has spoken for the first time about his friendship with a former Roman Catholic priest he shares his home with.

The 67-year-old singer and well-known Christian describes Fr John McElynn as his "companion" in his new autobiography.

Richard also says he is sick of speculation about his sexuality and thinks the church should approve same-sex marriages.

The star reveals how he met US former missionary McElynn seven years ago while on a trip to New York. He writes: "He hadn't had any thought at the beginning of giving up the priesthood, but when it became clear he was thinking of the possibility, I suggested he might help me with some charitable projects.

"That was seven years ago and our arrangement has worked out really well. John now spends most of his time looking after my properties, which means I don't have to.

"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." He writes: "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? I don't think my fans would care either way." Of homosexual partnerships, he says: "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.

"In the end, I believe, people are going to be judged for what they are. It seems to me that commitment is the issue, and if anyone comes to me and says: 'This is my partner - we are committed to each other' then I don't care what their sexuality is. I'm not going to judge - I'll leave that to God."

Richard also says that he twice considered marrying, to the dancer Jackie Irving and to Sue Barker, the BBC sports presenter and former tennis star.

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times