Whilst recruiting for this column I spoke to many parishioners, and obtained valuable feedback. Some agreed to contribute, others felt it was not for them. In the course of one such conversation with a wise member of the congregation, he apologised, but in so doing led the discussion along another more fruitful track. We agreed that there were many who were well-qualified, but would not want to put their names to published material, especially if it went on-line. We spoke of anonymity, and how it might draw out more thinking, particularly from those who were understandably reticent about matters of faith. My interviewee cannily observed that ‘Anglicans don’t like blowing their own trumpet”.
We tentatively discussed a model whereby congregation members could post anonymously to our on-line noticeboard, explaining all or some of the following; What was their faith journey? Had they come from another denomination, or even another faith altogether? Or none? What attracted them to our way of living, our way of worship? Was there room for improvement? We have many groups to belong to at the Cathedral, but how much time do we actually devote to confiding in others about why we come to church? Is it because these are private matters? Most of us can remember when churchgoing was a multi-generational activity, sometimes done purely out of habit, or out of a need to identify. We attended the same church as our grandparents. That model is no more. Our sheer diversity is both a cause for celebration and a challenge for church leaderships ; how do we adapt church life to a congregation who are often born overseas, are multi-lingual, and bring life-experiences our grandparents could only have dreamt of?
Anonymous posting might provide some answers. My interviewee opined that we cannot afford to waste the talent that comes through the door. Everyone’s insight is valuable, particularly the insight of the more reticent, the more private among us. Your opinions matter. Part of belonging is the feeling that we are heard. Doubting Thomas had his questions answered in the most intimate and vulnerable way imaginable - any pathways for questions and doubts have got to be good.
So please talk to others about this. What model might suit? This is not Confession in disguise! It might well be led by the laity, if indeed this turns out to be a good idea. We really need to know why you come to church.
And yes, there is still room for contributors to Views from the Pews.
