St Matthew's Church, Cobo

Reverend Claes Selim
8th February 1948 - 2nd January 2012

The Reverend Claes Selim was the Parish Priest of St Matthew’s Cobo and his congregation and all those people whose lives he has touched will be deeply saddened by his recent passing.

Claes was appointed as Vicar of St Matthew’s Church in August 2002 and all who knew him were inspired by his deep faith and ability to explain what for many was unexplainable.

However, whilst Claes took his priestly work very seriously indeed, no one should imagine he did not have a sense of humour, he had a tremendous sense of fun which he shared with many people.

He came to Guernsey as a Swedish man knowing only what he had read about the island. However he entered into Guernsey life enthusiastically and sensitively, quickly obtaining an understanding of how things work here. He had a very clear view of how things should be done in St Matthew’s Church and the parish always benefitted from his careful assessment of situations and thoughtful approach to difficult issues.

The parishes he served have learnt much from his ministry and he leaves behind people who are mourning his passing but have been enriched by knowing him.