Reporter Theo Hobson, writing for The Spectator online, recently outlined a visit to Grace in west London, finding it arty, irreverent, postmodern – and full of people seeking a new way to worship.
In a comprehensive article he disagrees with those who dismiss such attempts at change as 'marginal trendiness, a very minor sideshow'. Instead he says there's a definite longing for a new church and the time for that church may be coming.
Referring to Beyond (Brighton) and Dream network (Liverpool) he says many people are turned off by organised religion and are looking for a new style of sacramentalism that isn't steeped in authority.
For the moment, the pioneers tread carefully,
he adds,
the stylistic reinvention of an ancient religion is a slow and difficult process, with huge pitfalls – but my hunch is that we should watch this space. God reconfigures his church in mysterious ways.
You can read the full article on the Spectator website.