Rev Richard Coles – Bestselling Author & Former Vicar

Reverend Richard Coles has led a life that defies easy categorization. Once one half of the iconic 1980s pop duo The Communards, he later traded the stage for the pulpit, becoming a Church of England priest. Today, he is a bestselling author, a familiar voice on BBC Radio, and a television personality. His journey from pop stardom to pastoral care and then to the literary world is a remarkable story of reinvention.

Coles was born in 1962 and grew up in Northamptonshire. A talented chorister, he learned the saxophone, clarinet, and keyboards before moving to London in 1980. His move was partly motivated by a desire to escape the difficulties of being a gay man in his hometown. He would later study theology at King’s College London, setting the stage for a second, very different career.

Is Reverend Richard Coles Still a Vicar?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about him. The short answer is no, he is not currently serving as a parish vicar. After a long and public career in the church, he retired from full-time parish ministry in 2022. However, because he remains a priest in good standing within the Church of England, he can still officiate at ceremonies like weddings and funerals.

Overview Grid

Key Insights

• Richard Coles transitioned from pop star to priest – a rare career shift that has defined his public identity.
• He retired from full-time parish ministry in 2022 but remains a priest in good standing, often appearing as a broadcaster and speaker.
• His husband, Colin Coward, died in 2019; Coles has since been open about his grief and re-entering the dating world.
• Coles is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Today Programme’ and a frequent guest on comedy panel shows.
• His book series featuring Canon Clement has become a bestseller, bridging his clerical and literary lives.

Fact Table

What Band Was Richard Coles In?

Richard Coles first came to prominence in the 1980s as an instrumentalist with the pop group The Communards, alongside vocalist Jimmy Somerville. According to Wikipedia, he had earlier involvement with Bronski Beat before the Communards era began in 1985.

What Is the Communards?

The Communards were a British synth-pop duo that achieved significant commercial success. They had three UK top-10 hits, including the number-one single and best-selling UK single of 1986, a cover of “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” Other well-known singles include “You Are My World” and “Never Can Say Goodbye”. The group disbanded in 1988.

Who Is Richard Coles’ Partner?

Coles is openly gay. He was previously married to Rev. David Coles (née Oldham). Records from IMDb indicate the marriage ran from 2005 until David Coles’s death in 2019. David Coles was a Church Army evangelist.

Who Was Richard Coles’ Husband?

His husband, David Coles, passed away in 2019 after a short illness. Richard Coles has been open about his grief, most notably in his memoir The Madness of Grief, published in 2020. The loss had a profound impact on his personal life and his public persona.

Does Rev Richard Coles Have a New Partner?

Yes, he has publicly mentioned dating again after his husband’s death. While he has been photographed with a man named Richard in recent press reports, the name of his current partner has not been officially confirmed through his primary public channels. We report this without speculation, noting he has a partner but keeping the name private unless explicitly sourced from his official statements.

What Books Has Richard Coles Written, in Order?

Richard Coles is a bestselling author with at least 12 books to his name, according to his official speaker profile. His work spans both nonfiction memoirs and crime fiction.

Nonfiction Books

• Fathomless Riches (2014) – Memoir
• Bringing in the Sheaves (2016) – Memoir
• The Madness of Grief (2021) – Memoir about loss

Canon Clement Mysteries (Crime Fiction)

• Murder Before Evensong (2022)
• A Death in the Parish (2023)
• Murder at the Monastery (2024)
• A Death on Location (date not specified in current sources)

He also co-authored The Rabbit Hole Book. His crime series, centered around Canon Clement, has become a bestseller, effectively bridging his clerical background with his literary ambitions.

Timeline: Key Life Events of Richard Coles

1. 1962 – Born in Northampton, England.
2. 1980s – Performs with The Communards; releases hit singles.
3. 1990s – Leaves music, studies theology at King’s College London.
4. 2005–2006 – Ordained as deacon then priest in the Church of England.
5. 2011 – Becomes vicar of Finedon with Barton Seagrave.
6. 2017 – Marries Colin Coward, a Church Army evangelist.
7. 2019 – Colin Coward dies after a short illness.
8. 2020 – Publishes memoir ‘The Madness of Grief’ about loss.
9. 2021 – Begins writing Canon Clement mystery series.
10. 2022 – Retires from parish ministry; continues broadcasting and writing.
11. 2023–2024 – Publishes further books, appears on TV and radio, goes public with new partner.

Clarifying His Status

Context: The Man Behind the Public Figure

Richard Coles’ career is a unique case study in reinvention: from pop stardom to pastoral care to media personality. His LGBTQ+ identity and clerical role have made him a visible symbol of inclusive faith. His writing often draws on both his musical past and clerical experiences, blending wit with theological reflection. The public’s sustained interest in his personal life—including his husband’s death and new partner—reflects his openness on social media and in memoirs.

Sources and Quotes

“I think the thing about grief is that it makes you realise what’s important and what isn’t.”

– Richard Coles, ‘The Madness of Grief’

“I was a vicar, but I was a pop star first. That never goes away.”

– Richard Coles, interview on BBC Radio 4

“Coles retired from full-time parish ministry in 2022 but remains a priest and continues to broadcast and write.”

– Wikipedia – Richard Coles

Summary

Reverend Richard Coles remains a distinctive figure in British public life. Having retired from full-time parish ministry, he continues to work as a writer, broadcaster, podcaster, and public speaker. He serves as Chancellor of the University of Northampton, appears on BBC Radio 4, and has a new book in the Canon Clement series expected in late 2024. His journey from the 1980s pop charts to the pulpit and then to bestseller lists makes him a unique and compelling public figure. For a similar public figure story, you can read our profile on Diane Morgan – Biography, Career and Personal Life.

Frequently Asked Questions