A RETIRED priest explained to a young curate who was leaving his church the role and vocation of a priest.

Especially that a priest is not a manager.

I have been pondering this important distinction. I think it applies to all the professions and other skilled workers. The calling of a doctor, teacher or lawyer is to put his client or patients interest before his own. A manager’s duty is often to his shareholders, the value of whose shares is usually inextricably linked to maximum profit.

Being polite and helpful to a customer (who is always right) with the aim of making a sale is not at all the same kind of relationship as a doctor who shares the experience of being ill with his patient.

One cannot serve both God and Mammon.

We live in the age of the Super Manager - grossly overpaid, sometimes living a life of facade, seminars, travel and meetings about strategy, health and safety, targets and mission statements.

Experienced farmers and local engineers could surely have made a better job of the Lake District’s flood defences than the hierarchy of the Environment Agency at far less cost.

Michael Jackson – Altrincham Interfaith Group