Your Views: Vicar Tom deserves to be forgiven

A selection of letters to the editor and online views. Add your comments below.

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I write in support of Tom Poata and the good work he does within the community. It is unfortunate that the thousands of good things he does have been clouded by one mistake.

He is the official Rotorua RSA padre and has given us sterling support throughout our various activities. We have full confidence in what he does and how he conducts himself. It is encouraging to see that he is prone to human frailty like the rest of us; I hope his church looks after him in his hour of need, as my understanding of religion includes that of forgiveness.

If Tom had been around when I was young, I might still be going to church.

M B (ROLLY) ROLSTON

Rotorua RSA

He's only humanWhat a great story about Rev Tom Poata in [yesterday's] Daily Post. Best story I've read in years concerning a man of the cloth. It reveals Tom as being only too human and a sinner - like the rest of us.

While I don't worship at St Faith's, Tom is not an infrequent and an always welcome guest at St Michael's.

It seems extraordinary that people of a different faith burst in on a man known for his devotion, expecting him to jump to their tune. When they find him in his cups, they have the cheek to go whining to the press and expect him to apologise. It beggars belief.

Should Fathers Mark or Peter be unavailable or unwilling, with or without drink you can bury me any time, Rev Tom.

JOHN A RUSH

Mamaku

ONLINE VIEWS

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  Bad situation Tom but i'm sure you know that, you are still one of the best ministers we have had down Ohinemutu for a long time. Do what you have to do (and i'm sure you are) but if you are forced to leave Ohinemutu/Te Arawa you will be sorely missed my friend. The strength you bring to St Faiths is your humour and the way you connect with our whanau at all levels (tamariki, matua, pakeke), even my friends have said after being at a service at the marae you have taken, "geee I would go to karakia down the 'O' just to hear you and have a laugh". Kia kaha koe ...

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  That's a bit of a OPPS, we are all human, lesson learnt, he is still great at his job.

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  Yes u still do a great great job 4 god u perform a beautiful service 4 our sis it is unfortunately this has happen but i hv great faith in u.

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  I think it is a bit of a storm in a tea cup. To put it in proportion, remember this all happened in Tom's home, it wasn't like he turned up drunk at a funeral. While offending mourners is a bit of a faux pas, Tom is well respected in the community and I think that is what will endure.

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  Ohhh Matua! Firstly its obvious that yes given the situation, ok an apology may be called for, im sure this wonderful man will do what is right! It is pointed out the family are not normally associates of Matua Tom, hence alcohol aside they do not relate to his humour or style, they would be the first ever! all people make mistakes, i feel this is taken unfortunately way out of proportion and could have been dealt with in other ways, this man has changed the lives of so many he has touched Kei runga rawa tonu koe e Tame, xox PS people grasp at straws when they are grieving i feel poor Tom is just on the receiving end. Xox

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  No wonder we have a national youth drinking problem when people who should be role models are less than acceptable in their behaviour. We should all, as adults, be living for the good of our younger generation, even if that means sacrificing our own "popularity" in the community. He should be very ashamed.

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  Im sure many men of god have things to be ashamed of, not naming anyone in particular! God forgives unless you come from some out of space hypocritical church! The pot calling the kettle black! I didn't think people of the church could be judgmental, very unforgiving some people, it must be hard living in a cloud of perfection!

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  You're trying to blame a man who: while alone in his home decided to grieve with a bottle in hand (which I'm sure is a common method throughout humanity) and in the hours that followed his decision, mourners arrived and he acted poorly towards them; on being the cause for youth drinking problems. Seriously? To be human is to err, which is what happened, an apology has since been given and I'm sure he regrets his actions.

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  How about blaming youth for their own decisions regarding drinking. Maybe if they followed what Tom did (drink at home and stay there) the "problem" wouldn't exist as they would be at home using words rather than their fists. Just a thought.

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  Having been to several tangi that tom has been the vicar i have found him to be fantastic, humorous, and very genuine in all he has done, the man must have been going through a severe meltdown to be in this way. On armed robberies Its getting to be a pretty scary place to live. let alone own a business.