This subject is very revealing about me as a person and an idealist! I was brought up as an Anglican, but have spent much of my life questioning the role of the church and its actions across the globe and history. I can see the community and fellowship that it offers, how it can be a focal point for many rural communities and how it can act as a family for those who have lost so much. But then there is dogma and conflict that we read about - and the role of the church as an institution.
How can I reconcile my varied emotions? Particularly as walking through the woods means more to me spiritually than a rigid church service. Can I disregard the wishes and hopes of my family and the potential solace that it can off the Pickle?
Obviously I did things my way! The vicar was amazing and allowed me to take the unconventional route. The Christening takes places on consecrated ground in a ruined Priory where we got married, the Godparents were chosen to represent a range of spiritual beliefs, Judaism, Catholicism, Hedonism and a Jedi (the Anglican faith being well represented by family).
The service and the sentiment were amazing - each person considered what spirituality can offer a child, each person can offer their perspective. Joy and fun was almost tangible. I could not wish for greater role models for the Pickle - and it was all good naturedly blessed by a wonderful Anglican vicar.
How very cool! Well done you for sticking to your guns! ;)
ReplyDeleteKarin
Well done for doing what YOU wanted and not being pushed into doing something you felt forced to do. Sounds like a great christening and very diverse! How wonderful :)
ReplyDeletesounds fantastic to me x
ReplyDeleteHi there, my fiance and I are looking into getting married in a ruined, but consecrated church complex. How did you go about getting married in the ruined priory? Was it a blessing or the full legal ceremony?? Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Helen
ReplyDeleteHi Helen
ReplyDeleteSorry,you commented annonymously so I can only respond here. To get married you will need to find the site and then check with the vicar of the parish and they can tell you more about it.In our case it was the vicar who found out the logistical details we needed to ensure that we had a fully legal marriage (I don't know if we were just lucky there - but knowing him of old certainly helped). Every site is different, but either it will need to be consecrated and loads of places have been deconsecrated when they were decommissioned - or they will need a special licence. This site was near where I was brought up so I knew both the landowner and vicar and could take things from there. Good luck with finding a suitable place!