Female vicar faces the SACK after one worshipper complains about her putting a children's plastic table and chairs inside her 12th century church 

  • Rector Lynda Klimas introduced a small plastic table and chairs set to her church
  • She revealed the tiny furniture at the St Mary the Virgin Church in Bedfordshire
  • But one worshipper has now complained and she could face losing her position  

By ABE HAWKEN FOR MAILONLINE

Published: | Updated:

Rector Lynda Klimas installed a children's plastic table and chairs set at her church

Rector Lynda Klimas installed a children's plastic table and chairs set at her church

A vicar could face the sack for installing a children's plastic table and chairs into a 12th century church.

Rector Lynda Klimas introduced the pint-sized white furniture set as a way to keep young children entertained during services.

But a disgruntled churchgoer has made an official complaint as he feels it has no place in the 'historically sensitive and sacred' Mary the Virgin Church in Maulden, Bedfordshire.

The matter will now be investigated and, if taken to an employment tribunal, Rev Kilmas could be given a 'lifelong prohibition from exercising any ministerial functions'.

Kevin Sims, 67, who has been attending the church for 20 years, said: 'I definitely do not feel the number of children warrants it. 

'My main issues are for aesthetic reasons and reasons of demand.

'There are procedures in place that anyone who makes changes in church has to go through.

'My concern is that if nothing is done it means effectively anyone could change anything.'

He has now placed a formal complaint of misconduct against Rev Kilmas, who was responsible for the interior alteration.

But despite Mr Sims stating he knows of 'at least four' other parishioners who agree with him, other members of the congregation have welcomed the child-friendly space.

A fellow churchgoer said: 'I have never heard so much ridiculous fuss about a tiny little table and chairs. 

'It's lovely to see young children welcomed into the church and given a place to sit quietly and play.'

The reverend introduced the plastic furniture at St Mary the Virgin Church in Bedfordshire so  children would be entertained during services

The reverend introduced the plastic furniture at St Mary the Virgin Church in Bedfordshire so  children would be entertained during services

Rector Lynda Klimas now could face the sack after placing the small chairs and table inside the 12th century church (pictured) 

Rector Lynda Klimas now could face the sack after placing the small chairs and table inside the 12th century church (pictured) 

According to church guidelines, reverends wishing to making alterations like the introduction of furniture, much apply to the the faculty jurisdiction.

Once they have been presented with all the details about what the changes would involve, the the chancellor then makes a final decision on whether it can be made.

In this instance Mr Sims feels bosses have been misled and given false information about the furniture placed inside the church.

For example, he says a report filed to them said the furniture would be 'in keeping' with its surroundings - which he suggests it clearly is not.

Kevin Sims, 67, (pictured) complained and argued that he did not feel the number of the children warranted the introduction of the table and chairs set

Kevin Sims, 67, (pictured) complained and argued that he did not feel the number of the children warranted the introduction of the table and chairs set

He also says the rector referred to it as a 'children's area' despite clear signage indicating it is the 'Lady Chapel'.

Mr Sims said: 'For the Rector to state that this sacred space in church is not a Chapel beggars belief and is manifestly untrue.

'My main concern isn't with the furniture itself, although I did highlight I don't think it is keeping and there aren't enough children for it.

'This process relies on being truthful in what they are doing.'

The bishop of the church must now decide whether or not to confront the rector who brought the children's seating area.

If this happens she may receive punishment from a rebuke to removal from her position.

Mr Sims added: 'I hope the Church authorities now wake up to the seriousness of what has taken place here and that appropriate disciplinary penalties and public censure will swiftly follow.'

The Rev Klimas, who was made an honorary Canon because of her contribution to the Church of England, said she was forbidden to comment about the grievance.

St Albans Diocese spokesman Arun Kataria said: 'The complaint will be heard in accordance with standard procedure and will be confidential until the matter is concluded.'

Most watched News videos