I have faith in role of our churches

Published: 28 April, 2011
by JOHN GULLIVER

IT was an eerie moment as I stood with more than 50 people outside a Kentish Town church at a few moments to midnight on Saturday night.

Father Graeme Rowlands and fellow priests were blessing a brazier as the flames leapt upwards by the side of the church. 

Unusually, I was told, this is perhaps the only church in the borough, if not further afield, that starts the First Mass for Easter just before midnight so that it blends into the early hours of Sunday.

As the priests, using  a taper, lit their long candles as well as   those held by the congregation, and scattered incense, I glanced around.

Overlooking this extraordinary scene was a typical tall council block whose front room lights lit up the area – and in the air was the chant of priests mingling with conversations among families, and the sound of TV programmes. Silhouetted against the light of the flats I could see one or two people peering down. 

After 10 minutes,    the priests led the congregation into the completely darkened St Silas Church where what is known as the Easter Vigil began.

Though a non-believer, I found the service intensely moving and it made me think about the role of churches – they are not only a place for worship but provide a haven for voluntary work.

Over Easter hundreds of people entered the churches in Camden for what is thought to be the most important service of the year.

But throughout the year children’s and old people’s clubs find a home in these churches – tea parties are held, fellowship thrives.

Greater help should be given to these churches by the council. However secular, councillors may feel these churches are not simply landmarks, but play a part as much as libraries, schools and clinics.