A VICAR has issued a firm statement following what he described as a “deeply regrettable” disruption during a congregational meeting held after Sunday worship.
St Collen’s, long regarded as an inclusive church known for its outreach and welcome to people of all backgrounds, held a short meeting for its regular worshipping congregation after the final hymn on February 23. The gathering, announced “clearly” as an extension of worship, took place with candles still lit upon the altar after the congregation had broken bread together.
According to Father Lee, the purpose of the meeting was celebratory and practical: to reflect on the church’s mission and outreach, share news of new vocations and placement students, and provide “a straightforward financial update to those who faithfully sustain the work week by week.”
“It should have been a joyful and encouraging moment,” he said.
However, as the meeting began, a small number of those present – who Father Lee noted “are not regularly part of the ongoing worshipping life of the parish” – raised issues unrelated to the stated purpose of the gathering.
It is understood this matter concerned the manner in which Holy Communion is administered at the church.
At St Collen's, the Sacrament is distributed at the chancel step; communicants are not asked to ascend to the high altar rail.
Father Lee said: “Everyone is, of course, always welcome at St Collen’s. But it is also true that when someone is not consistently present within the life of the church, they may not be familiar with the history, prayerful discussion, and pastoral reasoning behind certain decisions. As a result, the focus shifted abruptly from celebration to contention.
“That is deeply regrettable.
“The particular issue raised concerned the manner in which Holy Communion is administered, specifically, our practice of distributing the Sacrament at the chancel step rather than requiring communicants to ascend to the high altar rail.
“This pastoral decision was made five years ago. It was made carefully. It was made prayerfully. And it was made for one clear reason: to ensure that the elderly and infirm, those who struggled with steps or kneeling, were not placed at a disadvantage in receiving the Bread of Life.
“The sacramental integrity of the Eucharist has not changed. The reverence with which it is administered has not changed. What changed was a practical arrangement, rooted in pastoral care.
“That decision is well understood by those who actually worship here. And it has enabled people to receive Communion with dignity and without anxiety.”
While acknowledging that “disagreement, when expressed respectfully and in the proper forum, is part of church life,” Father Lee was clear that disruption would not be tolerated.
“Coming into a gathered congregation, altering the tone of worship, and creating disunity over a matter long settled, without full knowledge of the facts or the pastoral context, is not the way we conduct ourselves at St Collen’s.
“I will not accept behaviour that disrupts worship or congregational meetings. I will not allow gatherings intended to celebrate mission and ministry to be derailed and I will take whatever appropriate and proportionate steps are necessary to ensure that future services and meetings are conducted with reverence, order, and respect.”
Father Lee did not want to clarify the incident further when approached by the Free Press / Leader and said “a line had been drawn under it.”
A spokesperson for the Diocese of St Asaph said: “It is for local priests and congregations to determine how best to organise worship to meet the needs of their local community.
“It is important for churches to be inclusive and ensure that barriers aren’t created which prevent anyone from participating in worship.”
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