It seems that Christian congregations everywhere, along with the congregants of other faith traditions, are in a constant process of self-examination these days. Should their worship spaces be open, and if not, how can they be the gathered community? Some have not been together physically since March, while others closed and then reopened, then closed again. Our congregation and others in our region have been able to remain open but with carefully observed protocols.I admire the dedication, tenacity, and creativity of so many congregations, great and small. Canterbury Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Christian architecture in the world, with a vast nave, vaulted ceilings, and extraordinary stained glass windows. This Church of England congregation, the mother church of Anglicanism, has also been required to deal with the back and forth of lock-downs and restrictions. Yet what might seem to be a stodgy "smells and bells" sort of church has been wonderfully inventive and responsive to the challenging circumstances.
The dean of the cathedral,Robert Willis, looks very Anglo Saxon and proper and, well, Anglican. He has a measured, plummy British voice and an aura of formality. This said, I find it delightful that he has been broadcasting morning prayer from the precincts of the cathedral rather than within it and there is a sense of life and warmth which comes with this choice. In one video a cat steal milk from a pitcher, and in another the priest is amongst the pigs. One morning Dean Roberts is competing with an exuberant rooster, yet seems entirely unperturbed.I've been fortunate to visit Canterbury Cathedral on a couple of occasions, once with my late mother where we were virtually the only people in the beautiful space. I wish.now, that we had wandered the grounds a little more, and encountered the critters and enjoyed the flowers.
Blessings and thanks to all those who are doing their best to be faithful in so many ways during these unpredictable days.
No comments:
Post a Comment