What is a Church?

The article (The Eastbourne Herald, April 2021) by Ross Jamieson is very revealing and demonstrates a not untypical understanding of a church. When I think of a church a building is not what comes to mind first. When I left one of my parishes, they asked me what I wanted as a farewell gift. I asked for a picture of the church. So one Sunday the whole congregation gathered outside the building and a wonderful picture was taken of the people – the church.

When I think of the church I think of a large, glorious, messy family. It is a network of connections and relationships. It is a community. It is the only community (apart from the library) that you can be part of from birth to death. I remember wonderful people, kindness, laughter, people there for you in dark and happy moments. I think of the common love we have for Jesus.

When I think of the church, I think of the times we get it wrong, when we squabble badly, when we hurt others, when we behave in a way that is contrary to Jesus’ desire for us, when we are unwelcoming and uncaring. We the church are not perfect. The church is a school for sinners not a museum for saints.

When I think of the church, I think of a living community that has been around longer than most nations have existed. I think of a living organization that started hospitals, orphanages, schools, and universities. I think of the City Mission, World Vision, of William Wilberforce (abolition of slavery), Florence Nightingale, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Deitrich Bonhoeffer and Desmond Tutu.

When I think of the church I think of playgroups and youth groups of lives changed for the better, of deep spiritual needs met, of people living with hope. I think of the power of faith at work in people’s lives. I think of cooperation between churches and kindness in sharing facilities.

It is a loss that our building cannot be used but it is not a tragedy. Our community continues to thrive. The plan is to restore the building as a functioning space. However, we want it to function well for future generations and for this to be done with care and sensitivity. The hope is that such changes will add value both in terms of function and aesthetics.

Concerning Bishop Justin. I do not speak for him, but I am so glad to realize that his concern for the poor and vulnerable in our communities is well known. In this, as with Pope Francis, they remind us that this stance is modelled on Jesus.

On behalf of the Ministers and Churches of Eastbourne( St Albans, San Antonio (Parish of the Holy Spirit), St Ronan’s).

Rev John Hughes St Alban's Church Eastbourne