London’s First Atheist Church Opens Tomorrow

[onehandle]

The image of Sanderson Jones selling Sydney Opera House tickets "by hand," presumably while standing outside the building itself on the night of each performance, trying to talk passers-by into coming inside, is almost unbearably charming. Not to mention the fact that he refers to the differences between Christianity and atheism as a "theological disagreement," like a Lutheran discussing font etiquette at a garden party.

Jones called it "part atheist church" and "part foot-stomping show" that will meet once a month. Tomorrow's service features guest lecturer Andy Stanton, author of the Mr. Gum children's books.

The church, of course, is not without controversy; a Catholic parish priest in Finsbury said to reporters that while it's "important" to engage with non-believers, "for them to establish a church like any other religious denomination is going too far. I'm cautious about it." Only in England would a Catholic priest refer to an atheist church as something to be "cautious" about, as though he's willing to be surprised and delighted by it, because you never know.

Sanderson Jones has similarly modest expectations: "we just want people to feel encouraged and excited when they leave."

http://gawker.com/5973377/londons-first-atheist-church-opens-tomorrow

[Iggo]

1. .

[Festivito]

2. It's a R-E-L-I-G-I-O-N.

It deserves all the rights and responsibilities of other religions in America.

Good luck in the UK.

[Nye Bevan]

3. Good. Why should atheists be deprived of the joy of sitting in pews

in ornate buildings?

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Just to make it clear, the photo is not the 'atheist church'

It is Saint Martin in the Fields, on Trafalgar Square, one of the most prominent churches in the country.

The 'atheist church' will be events held in The Nave, a de-consecrated church that is now an "arts and performance space" run by a Steiner school (aka Waldorf school).

[riderinthestorm]

5. There's millions of "atheist churches" in London... they're called bars aren't they?

They even have someone to hear confession (bartender or waitress), serve the body (pretzels) and blood (beer and wine) of the Lord, holy music (the Stones, Beatles or pick the bands of your choice)...while its pretty noisy, I don't suppose its any noisier than most gospel churches.

Usually pretty damn busy on Sundays as well!