THE
P RTAL
September 2017
Page 18
“I do not do nice!”
Ronald Crane has been listening to the radio
(or the wireless as he calls it)
I
can see the look of shock on their faces now. Whenever I begin a new job, or meet any new group that
I am involved with, I always tell them, “I do not do ‘nice’” The shock is greatest in church circles. This is
mainly because in England, at least, there is an unspoken assumption that being a Christian is to be “nice”.
This all came to mind recently when I was listening
to the ‘Today’ programme on BBC Radio 4. It was a
story about St Sepulchre-without-Newgate in the City
of London. St Sepulchre’s is known as the musicians’
church. It has links with many musicians. Its north
aisle is the Musicians’ Chapel. It has four windows
commemorating John Ireland, the singer Dame Nellie
Melba, Walter Carroll and the conductor and founder
of the Promenade Concerts, Sir Henry Wood.
“An increasingly busy programme of worship and
church activities has led to ever higher demands on
the church space, and the hire space is also shared with
the church administration office.
Over the weekend there has been a significant
response online and via social media to this decision,
and we have been greatly moved by the concern
expressed for the musical life of the church. We do
wish to re-iterate that we remain committed to our
Indeed, Sir Henry learned to play the organ here aged ministry as the National Musicians’ Church. In the
fourteen, later became its Organist and his ashes are coming weeks we will reflect and pray, and consult
buried in the church. Nevertheless, it was announced with members of the musicians’ community about how
recently that musical bookings would no longer be best to fulfil that ministry moving forward, including
welcome and the church would favour Christian music particularly Dr Andrew Earis (Director of Music at St
performances.
Martin-in-the-Fields, and former Director of Music
here at St Sepulchre’s).”
What caught my attention was John Rutter saying on
the “Today” piece about this move, that St Sepulchre
The Catholic Church is rather shy about allowing its
was being “unchristian”. The programme did quote St buildings to be used for anything other than Christian
Sepulchre’s statement, which is on their web site,
Worship. Concerts often take place in Catholic
but they are of music and material that is in
The Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham Churches,
accord with the Catholic Faith.
THE ORDER OF MASS
D ivine W orship : T he M issal
in accordance with the R oman R ite
Ordinariate Mass cards with
the Order of Mass from
D ivine W orship : T he M issal
are now available
Prices including UK delivery:
£1 for a single copy, £3.50
for 10, £14 for 50, £26 for
100, £48 for 200
Overseas enquiries: email mass.
[email protected]
for postage costs
To order, please send your
name and address with your cheque, made payable to
Ordinariate OLW to:
Mass Cards, Ordinariate OLW,
24 Golden Square, London W1F 9JR
John Rutter pointed out, many churches are used
for concerts. That is so: But the church must make
sure these concerts contain material that is in accord
with the purposes of the building. From time to time,
a particular church over-steps the mark here. Then
there is an outcry in the popular press – and rightly
so. Church buildings are primarily for the worship of
Almighty God. That is their purpose. It is why they
were built. They are “Sacred Space” and as such, need
to be rather careful what other purposes they allow.
Here is an example of where being “nice” is being
confused with being “Christian”. Thank God, no one
has ever accused me of being “nice”. T he P ortal tried
to contact John Rutter without success for comment.
The Press Office of the CofE Diocese of London told
T he P ortal , “The PCC took the decision to stop hiring
the space for all concerts and rehearsals.” However, as
the statement makes clear there is now a period of
reflection, prayer and consultation. We look forward
to further news.