If we wish to see the future already with us, we often do well to look across the Atlantic. In terms of weaponry, cinematic blockbusters, universities and philanthropy the Yanks can show us the way to do things. If we appear quaint and old-fashioned, by comparison, we have to confess that nostalgia as a debilitating factor in our national life and institutions. Some things we are very good at. We are adept when it comes to ceremonial. We are brilliant exponents of linguistic magniloquence. We can always find a compromise that works, even if it defies critical analysis. We are good at make-do and mend.
A specific example of the USA method can be found in Boston, Massachusetts. A Catholic church offering services for the German community became redundant. It has had a $4m re-fit and can now offer luxury apartments to die for. It would be difficult to find UK examples to match this kind of superior adaptation. It can be viewed at the website: ‘Inside £4m condo in a converted Boston Catholic …’ Our parochial system with its territorial basis is having difficulties with the fact that we have hugely impressive church buildings designed for a rural economy that has shrunk to the point where it cannot support them. We find ourselves in a quandary.
Church-planting is an attractive strategy. There are numerous organisations and think-tanks involved in this on both sides of the Atlantic, notably the HTB (Holy Trinity Brompton) network. Flourishing churches siphon off members to parishes with dwindling congregations and have a galvanizing effect. It gives enormous church buildings – beyond the capacity of parishioners to upkeep – a new lease of life at the cost of maybe jarring encounters with a surviving remnant of worshippers. Over 60 churches are involved and the scheme has official backing.
One example of independent UK church-planting is to be found in Fulwood, Sheffield. With 900 supporters Christ Church in 2009 decided it would aim, for 20 years, to plant a church every two years. It has so far planted three in its locality. It includes the training of church leaders in its plans.
When we emerge from lock-down, we shall find issues of this kind more pressing than ever. It is not too soon to be thinking about what we shall do.
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