What is an Anglican church in France for?

There are real questions of identity, which can be quite divisive. Some church members see their church as very much part of the Church of England – which they may remember from earlier days. So there can be demands and expectations for mostly traditional worship and hymns. Others see it as primarily an English-speaking church, and they may come from a  variety of backgrounds and traditions. They may be less dogmatic, though some are wary of ‘too much liturgy’ – as many aren’t Anglican.

Quite a few members aren’t British. Indeed in some places, for many attendees, English is their second (or third!) language. And there are always some French and other nationalities who value the typical Anglican mixture and style of worship, and the openness and welcome they experience (including the normal coffee and chat after the service.) They are probably not interested in questions of ‘churchmanship’, but may want more French-language input/

The question then arises, Should the church be evangelistic? If so, do we aim only at the British, English-speaking community, or look beyond that constituency? There is usually a desire to maintain good relations with other French denominations (indeed, in many places, Anglicans are dependent on such denominations for the use of their buildings),  and so  discretion is called for, to avoid any impression of ‘poaching’. But  increasing numbers of long-term members are at ease with French language and have French friends. Their children are bilingual and mostly associate with friends are French. So should there be worship in French? Several chaplaincies are offering a French-language service alongside their English worship, or introducing some bi-lingual worship.

This variety can be enriching, but sometimes there are divisions, as expectations come into conflict. It can make ministry in the Diocese in Europe demanding and difficult, especially as there is often little contact between ministerial colleagues – though on-line discussion makes this easier now than it was previously. And on top of all these things are the complications that have been caused by ‘Brexit’, with its restrictions on free movement of people. It is perhaps not surprising that there are many vacancies in the Diocese in Europe!

It's continued to be very warm here in Chantilly over the past few days. We have had pastoral contact with a number of people last week. Each Thursday, we join in an on-line prayer meeting. In time off, we enjoyed a walk through varied countryside, and enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant near Chantilly. This was the remarkably generous gift of some church members, we ate a varies menu on the terrace of an elegant house. We will long remember it.

We’re looking forward to a flying visit from our daughter Becky at the weekend, who will be en route to teaching at a conference in Switzerland. Sunday is also the occasion for Chantilly’s biggest race meeting of the year, the Prix de Diane,  when many local residents gather for picnics and entertainment on the lawns surrounding the race-course.

 Time has passed quickly. Next week will be our last in this spell of locum ministry; our final Sunday here will be the church’s patronal festival, St Peter’s Day. We are planning to invite any who wish to gather for a half-hour prayer meeting before the Eucharist. 

Pray for the church here: for complete healing of pains and divisions; for the process of recruiting the next chaplain. Pray for our final week of ministry, and for wisdom and discernment in our listening to people, leading worship, and preaching. - and for our health and energy to be maintained, as we prepare for taking our leave and journeying home.