Churches Together

The "Churches Together" Movement is now quite widespread in the U.K.  Its purpose is to bring together Christians of different denominations in order to explore and develop the common ground between them and so, to enrich by sharing it, the spiritual experience of all.  In Goudhurst and Kilndown, we have the advantage of a thriving Roman catholic Church as well as the two local Anglican Parish Churches of St. Mary's abd Christ Church in the villages.

Our "Churches Together" Group, consisting of both priests and members of each congregation, has been active for many years.

The year 1991 saw a unique event - a joint Confirmation of youngsters from both congregations.  They had attended a joint preparation course, and finally took part in a dual Service, Anglicans being confirmed by the Bishop of Dover in St. Mary's, Roman Catholics confirmed by their own Bishop at the Sacred Heart.

Since then, shared events have been regular features of the year - for Harvest, Advent and Ash Wednesday.  On Good Friday, we share an act of witness, following the Cross in procession up the village High Street, pausing to observe the fourteen Stations of the Cross with narrative and prayer.  Then on Easter Eve we celebrate the dawn of "The Light of Christ" with a dramatic united Service ending with Anglican and Roman catholic priests side by side, offering Communion to the joint congregation.  There are also joint Study courses in lent, and in recent years, free Lent Lunches in St. Mary's on Saturdays, which help to bring us all together.

Our hope is to go forward together as people of God, and our trust is that the ideal of "One Church, one faith, one Lord" will one day be realised.