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  LOL just for a change, I couldn't disagree more with Barry! Not enough trendy vicars!
  
  The world changes and the Church needs to adapt to survive. You don't throw the baby out with the bathwater, but equally you can't pretend that we live in the 1st century. I'm a Methodist and our Church does shocking things like ordain women, marry divorcees and bless civil partnerships.
  
  Both Methodists and the Anglicans are seeing declining congregations, so values and core beliefs aren't enough to explain the trends. Some denominations, like the Evangelicals, are seeing a steady increase - the Ark is enormously popular. Is this because they condemn gays and preach division of labour? I think it's more to do with the happy clappy nature of their worship. It's not for everyone - it can be a bit creepy - but more young people go for it over dreary organ-lead hymns and didactic sermons... and young people are the key to sustaining/increasing congregations.
  
  I'm not suggesting that we need a revolution in the C of E. I like the dreary organ-lead hymns. Diversity in the Church is a massive strength and gives a bigger opportunity for all to be involved. Vibrant churches have different services for different tatses, or they team up with other local churches. From a capitalist viewpoint, this maximises you client base!!
  
  
  Jesus said, "Love thy neighbour" and so people kill each other about precisely how he said it. Brilliant.

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