The music started, the chapel doors opened, and there was no turning back — not now. Then, seemingly as one, the guests turned towards the opened doors, and with a last deep breath I set off down the aisle, guiding my shaking legs tentatively towards the platform ahead.
Rather worryingly there appeared to be a lot more people present than anticipated, but I squeezed out a nervous smile and the odd polite nod. Then, checking that the groom was close behind, it was up on to the platform and behind the podium, tightly clasping my bible and ceremony notes. Yes, I was performing my first ‘Christian’ wedding ceremony, and with somewhere in the region of 100 Japanese guests looking on expectantly, I was nervous to say the least.
But why be nervous? If nothing else I looked the part in my newly acquired robe — complete with a rather natty stole and embroidered crosses.
And if that wasn’t enough, surely my 3 hours or so of ‘training’ and the resultant certificate would get me through the proceedings. I was now authorized for goodness sake.
In both English and Japanese.
The trusty robe manufacturers certainly thought so anyway, as I wasn’t plain old Mr Lee Chapman anymore. No, not by a long shot. I was going up in the world, perhaps quite literally.
Such a rapid rise leading me to believe that I’d be a bishop before I knew it. Or at least I would have been if I hadn’t opted for early retirement — it being a lot of Sunday work and all that.
Brian says
Amen.
shisso says
can a reverend have sex? I wonder….
Bunny says
Why stop at bishop, when you could go for pope?
That’s hilarious, Reverend Chapman!!!
Lee says
Bunny: I was told I’d have to face ‘at least a couple of days’ training for a shot at the Pope’s job. That and a move to Europe put me off.
Shisso: Occasionally…
Bunny says
Any Royal weddings? Ever ended up with a mouthful of confetti? Ever winked at the bride? Ever winked at the groom?
maktaaq says
That is hilarious! I wish I’d done that when I lived in Japan.
petit oiseau says
wow! complete out of left field!
oh, and shisso….unlike the Catholic religion, Reverends can indeed have sex…..but after marriage of course. but that hasn’t stopped some! aahahahah!
~Pammy n_n
HanshinT says
Congrats Lee…
Just remember, hands off the alter boys!
dada says
I can see form the certificate that you work in the same company as me! Take care wit your blog… keep low profile. zif they they find out… Still doing this job?
Unbelievable says
What? So you are deceiver priest? Your company is deceiver too?
Tell us name of your company and name of your hotel.
Please be honest in our country.