William Temple, the former Archbishop of Canterbury said: \u201cThe church exists mainly for those who are not its members.\u201d\u009d All parishes should concentrate on attracting people who are not Christians or churchgoers. Whether or not they are living out of wedlock up with someone \u201d\u201d of the opposite or same sex \u201d\u201d is immaterial. The hope, though, would be that their perspective and lives gradually change as they become followers of Christ in his Church.<\/p>\n
I would much rather attend a church with a high percentage of un-churched gays who are honestly seeking to live according to the Gospel than one with a high percentage of straight cradle-Anglicans who are not. And I don\u2019t think that this would necessarily be unappealing to a gay or straight non-Christian. To say, \u201cwe believe in trying to live according to Biblical principles, even though we all may fail to varying degrees\u201d\u009d has, I suspect, a more honest ring than the note of desperation in, \u201ccome to our church and do or believe what you want\u201d\u009d.<\/p>\n
St. Hilda\u2019s has always attracted more than its fair share of single mothers, misfits, waifs, strays and assorted eccentrics \u201d\u201d especially artists; the more the merrier. Many have passed through gaining sustenance along the way and some have made it their home. Sometimes it is chaotic: the pious have likened it to a circus. But unwelcoming? Never.<\/p>\n