Meridian

LEAVING THE CHURCH

Religious observance had been a major cultural characteristic of English life for centuries. However, wider education and progressive questioning of the foundations of religious beliefs, together with increasingly liberal attitudes in the second half of the 20th century inevitably led to a steady decline in the power and attractiveness of the Church. More recently, controversies surrounding the ordination of female bishops and child abuse have further diminished the stature and reputation of the traditional religions in England. This small country church was built in 1865 and shows an interior that has changed little since it was originally conceived. The Meridian passes through its East wall and window and the passage of its diminished congregation symbolizes this steady flight from the “Church”.

LEAVING THE CHURCH

Religious observance had been a major cultural characteristic of English life for centuries. However, wider education and progressive questioning of the foundations of religious beliefs, together with increasingly liberal attitudes in the second half of the 20th century inevitably led to a steady decline in the power and attractiveness of the Church. More recently, controversies surrounding the ordination of female bishops and child abuse have further diminished the stature and reputation of the traditional religions in England. This small country church was built in 1865 and shows an interior that has changed little since it was originally conceived. The Meridian passes through its East wall and window and the passage of its diminished congregation symbolizes this steady flight from the “Church”.