Rev Ian Gregory, who combined careers in journalism and Christian ministry, passed away at age 93. He gained widespread media attention during the 1980s for establishing the Polite Society, a campaign group dedicated to promoting courtesy in public life. The initiative resonated internationally, with publications including the Los Angeles Times covering his efforts during a period marked by significant social and industrial tensions in Britain.
After completing theological studies at Lancashire Independent College in Manchester, Gregory began his career as a journalist rather than immediately entering the ministry. He worked at the Stockport Advertiser starting in 1954 and was among the early journalists at BBC Radio Derby when the station launched in 1971, where he became known for his challenging interviews with local officials. He retired from journalism in 2003.
Gregor was ordained as a minister in 1983 and served at King Street Congregational church in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where he gained recognition for his progressive pastoral approach. He performed marriages for divorced individuals at a time when this was less common among clergy, conducted blessing ceremonies in pubs to reach people in their preferred settings, and organized Christmas services for pub licensees. His commitment to accessible ministry led a local pub chain to name one of their establishments after him.
Born in Bolton to Gabriel Gregory, a Congregational minister, and Lilian Unsworth, a teacher, Gregory maintained intellectual curiosity throughout his life, continuing to read theology and science texts and write pamphlets from his home office until his death. He is survived by his wife Trisha, whom he married in 1965, three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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