Church of England Faces ‘Terminal Retreat,’ Critic Says

Public Religious Displays Under Scrutiny

The Church of England is facing criticism for its public religious displays, with columnist Camila Long suggesting the institution is in a state of “terminal retreat.” Long shared her observations after attending a public crucifixion reenactment in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday, an event listed as a top family activity by Time Out London.

Long expressed curiosity about the nature of large-scale religious events in public spaces, especially following a recent open prayer event in the same location. She noted the mixed public reactions to such displays, with some questioning the need for public prayer and religious fervor.

A Vivid Crucifixion Reenactment

The Trafalgar Square event, a Catholic-inspired reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion, aimed to deliver a powerful Passion play. Long described the setup as “intense,” requiring attendees to sit on the floor of the square. She observed participants, including actors dressed as Roman soldiers and a horse, moving through the area as part of the performance.

The reenactment itself was described as rough and tumble, with significant energy from the cast. The actor playing Jesus, noted for having a “man bun,” was fully committed to the role, according to Long. The performance included the depiction of blood and thorns, and audience members were involved in helping Jesus carry the cross around the square.

“Crucifixions aren’t very nice,” Long commented, highlighting the raw and energetic nature of the event. She also mentioned that three individuals were ultimately hoisted onto crosses, with the actors experiencing screaming and writhing as part of the portrayal.

Actor’s Experience and Audience Reaction

Long spoke with a young actor, aged 20, who played one of the figures on the cross. He shared that while the experience was “very high,” it had been colder during rehearsals. He also indicated that there were lines delivered while on the cross, accompanied by intense screaming.

The audience appeared to enjoy the event, despite its intense nature. However, Long expressed mixed feelings, particularly noting that the performance might not continue next year due to a lack of funding.

Questions About Public Religiosity and Funding

Long raised broader questions about the extent of public displays of religious fervor. “How far do we go with these public displays of religious fervor?” she asked, emphasizing the need to treat all religions equally.

She differentiated between public prayer events and the Trafalgar Square reenactment, which she saw more as an entertainment event than a prayer service. Long suggested that dedicated spaces like churches, synagogues, and mosques are more appropriate for private religious observance rather than large-scale public performances.

The lack of funding for such events also raised concerns, especially given the current economic climate. Long questioned whether the public is still as receptive to these large, expensive religious spectacles.

An Extravagant Dining Experience

In a separate review, Long detailed an “ungodly” dining experience at a high-end restaurant, where the bill for two people amounted to £1,122. This included a £225 set menu per person, a £146 service charge, and a £150 tip, with the remainder largely spent on alcohol.

Long described the restaurant’s ambiance as akin to a modern art museum set within a business class lounge. She noted the unusual table arrangement, where diners faced other couples, which she felt detracted from the experience despite the otherwise exquisite food.

The meal consisted of seven small courses, which Long praised as delicious and heavenly. However, the overall cost and the perceived extravagance led her to question the value proposition, especially in the current economic climate.

The ‘Ego’ of Dining and Performance

The high cost of the meal, Long suggested, was a payment for “ego – yours and theirs.” This referred to both the diner’s desire for a luxurious experience and the restaurant’s performative presentation.

She drew a parallel to the former Michelin-starred restaurant L’Arpège, once known for an extremely expensive lunch, highlighting a trend of high-cost, performative dining experiences. Long concluded that such extravagance might not align with current public sentiment regarding food and spending.

Looking Ahead

The discussion surrounding public religious expression and the economics of high-end dining continues. As the Church of England grapples with its public role and funding challenges, and as critics question the value of extravagant experiences, future events and reviews will likely shed more light on these evolving societal perspectives.

Source: Church Of England In ‘Terminal Retreat’ | Camilla Long (YouTube)