In response to Ann Farmer: A Thor point,
derek wrote:
I haven’t set foot inside my local C of E church for nearly six years. The breaking point came on Remembrance Day 2013. I am a veteran, and together with other veterans from 23 to 84 years old, had to sit through a post-parade service by a trendy-type vicar (who I know is one of only five daily customers for the Guardian in my village, the others being retired teachers from the South East) in which he managed to mention Gaza, refugees and racism but not duty, courage and sacrifice. Most of us now march to the church, fall out and go to the pub.
Labour_is_bunk replied:
He may be giving refugees a mention, but I doubt whether he’s offering succour (and therefore putting his money where his mouth is) by letting any stay in his vicarage.
gs_schweik replied:
We’ve got one of those. He really is the trendy right-on vicar from Central Casting. But on Remembrance Sunday I’m there with my medals just to embarrass him. And I’ll be there long after he’s gone.
SiberianRhod replied:
I can understand your frustration with the C of E. It lost its way a long time ago and its relevance attempting to appeal to an audience that sneers at it, while at the same time it alienated its core followers.
I converted to the Russian Orthodox Church so I could get married in the beautiful cathedral in my city. Since then I frequently attend services and drop in sometimes to light a candle and enjoy some moments of quiet contemplation.
The Orthodox Church has stayed true to its roots and that is why it continues to grow while the churches in the West disappear into irrelevance.
