At a time when attendance at traditional churches continues to decline, many people report that they are more open to spirituality than ever before. At first sight this seems somewhat bizarre. The Church has for centuries maintained its faith in the reality of an unseen but nevertheless utterly real spiritual realm. Faith in materialist answers to life’s problems is on the wane; many instinctively know that all that glistens does not satisfy that man or woman shall not live truly happily on bread alone. Recent surveys show that people increasingly acknowledge that they seek more; that there is an existential need for meaning and perhaps relationship which the latest stuff cannot fulfil. So why isn’t the Church cashing in?

Perhaps it is just the image. Would a repackaging of the product result in people flocking into the Church once more?  Trendy Vicars in leathers playing electric guitars? I suspect not, although it is true that much of the Church is as media savvy and as connected to contemporary culture a s a bowler hat. Long live Father Ted. Many believe there is something more fundamental happening in our society. The apparently arrogant claim to have “Truth” all sown up and neatly packaged in pew sized bites is simply unbelievable. So where to now?

A group of not very spiritual people, who do appreciate the odd pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord or possibly glass of Merlot, will be meeting at a pub near you each Wednesday over the Summer to discuss such issues and probably others. If you feel “dechurched”, believe but don’t belong, are aware of unscratched spiritual itches, you would be most welcome to join the discussion. For more information contact Steve or Wendy at kenyonklan@sky.com.