Churches Unlocked
An old ancient sign hung above the door of a rural church. It read, “Those who wish to meet with God - enter in.” Pinned to the door was a typewritten note saying, “This door has been kept locked, due to recent thefts.”
One of the responsibilities I had in one rural parish I lived in, was to unlock the doors of the church next door before I set off for work in the morning. When I came home in the evening, one of the priorities was to lock them again. Having first checked no one was inside. Most days someone would have come in, to look around the church, especially visiting the memorial to a famous airship disaster, but mostly to pray. Usually, the first visitor was the Bishop of Bedford who came two or three times a week to do his morning prayers. We had put various prayer stations around the church which included opportunities to post prayer requests, these were acknowledged monthly at the family service.
I was reminded of this duty when I read an article in the Church Times earlier this month by a Norfolk vicar, who was arguing that churches should be left unlocked. It gives the message that the church is available for all people, not just members. It gives a space, in a busy world, where people who are distressed, lonely, or looking for meaning in their lives can come and pray. Churches are full of images and inscriptions that point to God’s promises including words from scriptures.
As Christians, we believe we are to be a light to the world around us, and nothing can replace personal contact. However, we cannot always be there when people need to meet with God. God of course, is everywhere, but many people testify that the Holy Spirit has spoken to them significantly when they have visited a church building. Rural churches can be seen as an “Icon of God’s presence” in a village,
Visiting churches as a Mission Enabler I have been surprised by the number of Churches that are left open. I have seen several initiatives to encourage people who enter. One church provides facilities for people to make tea or coffee. A Church Warden makes it her responsibility to make sure this refreshment station is kept replenished and there is water. The church has no water supply. Another church has a tub of chocolate bars for those walking the North Downs Way, labelled “Help yourself”. Another has written a prayer trail around their building suggesting subjects to pray for in various areas. Many of the churches provide booklets outlining the Gospel message.
Of course, it is a risk. In the current climate, we tend to fear strangers having access to our personal belongings but don’t we believe that “Perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:18. Also the fear may be exaggerated I am told that Ecclesiastical Insurance says open churches can have a positive effect on security, as a church that is visited is more secure than a church that is not.
The vicar of the Norfolk Church wrote in the Church Times, “Long before we kept the church open during the week, there was a series of break-ins in churches across the borough. The perpetrator twice broke into our church in the space of a fortnight, smashing low-level stained-glass windows to gain entry. On both occasions, he stole £10 or £20 but caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. Since we have been open during the day, someone has forced their way into the back of the votive-candle stand. A similar amount of money was stolen, but the damage was negligible this time.” Revd Daniel Sandham Church Times. 2nd August 2024.
During the period I unlocked the church every day we had one kettle and several packets of biscuits stolen. The greatest damage was caused by people nicking lead from the church roof at night when the door was locked.
Keeping a church unlocked is an act of faith. We need to use common sense, if there is a high crime rate it may not be feasible. We must ask - Do the advantages outweigh the risks? This act is countercultural. God wants us to be wise but also to be welcoming.
