Sunday Afternoon – and relax

What a fantastic morning we had at St Mary’s. A few glum looking protesters stood outside the church bearing hateful banners whilst hundreds streamed into the warmth and light of the morning Eucharist.

In many ways, it was business as normal. A larger crowd than normal, but it was us being who we are at our best – open, inclusive and welcoming.

I’ll be posting more online later. Before I go off and lie down in a darkened, I must say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this weekend. To those who planned and prepared the worship this morning, to those who turned out and sang their hearts out at yesterday’s civil-partnership blessing, to the servers who made everything run smoothly and introduced +Gene to clotted cream and welshcakes, to everyone who has travelled and all who were there – thank you. We are a congregation I’m glad to be part of and a congregation I am proud to lead.

This weekend, we have been exactly who we are.

Comments

13 responses to “Sunday Afternoon – and relax”

  1. Kenny Avatar

    +Gene preaching and celebrating, and a same-sex blessing all on the weekend that Lambeth wraps up. Pushing the boat out a bit? However, thankfully, + Gene is right, and a totally inclusive church will one day arrive. Just a question of when. The Cathedral may well be leading the way, but the Diocese and the Province has to come with you all. Just a thought as I read in my Herald today that “The Anglican Communion now stands on the verge of a split. On one side are the liberal congregations of America and, judging by yesterday, Scotland.” This was indeed news to me!

  2. Robin Avatar
    Robin

    I wouldn’t worry unduly, Fr Kenny. The Anglican Communion has been “on the verge of a split” for at least three decades, first over women and now over gays, and it still hasn’t happened.

    “Anglican Communion will probably stagger on much as before for the foreseeable future” would have been a fairer commentary, but it doesn’t sell newspapers!

  3. Irene Avatar
    Irene

    Thank you for a truly wonderful service, very moving and the most beautiful music. Oh so difficult to contain my tears.

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