A pub church is a Christian Church which meets in a public house or similar establishment. Their purpose is to exist as an authentic Christian community, but in a way which is both provocative and accessible to un-churched people.[1] Thornton recognises that the closure of public houses has diminished community space, and this is an attempt to restore this community asset.
As Archbishop Rowan Williams has commented:
"If 'church' is what happens when people encounter the Risen Jesus and commit themselves to sustaining and deepening that encounter in their encounter with each other, there is plenty of theological room for diversity of rhythm and style, so long as we have ways of identifying the same living Christ at the heart of every expression of Christian life in common.[2]
This can take a number of forms. Sometimes an old public house is purchased, and used as a church building,[3] retaining the welcome and feel of a pub. Others rent a room in an existing pub,[4] and church happens with the context of the functioning public house.
- ^ Thornton, Phil (9 July 2008). "The Independent". London. Retrieved 9 July 2008.
- ^ Rowan Williams Mission Shaped Church (Church House Publishing, 2004) Forward
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