Breaking Out, Breaking Down

Stereotypes. We all have them. We tend to think of them negatively – that they are to be avoided. The problem is that we can’t avoid them. Simply put, stereotypes are generalized beliefs about categories of people or things. They help us make sense of the world by helping us to simplify and systematize information. Perhaps in a world of information overload, we can begin to rely on this tool just a bit too much. Stereotypes can become dangerous when they become too rigid and to determine our attitudes to the world around us – especially when it comes to our relationships with the people we meet.

The Chapel at Ridley Hall

Thursday evening, Ridley Hall gathered for its weekly College Communion. Its planning and celebration were the responsibility of “F” Staircase (where I live) and so I made it a special point to be present. Mind you, the historical legacy of Ridley Hall is not of the Laudian (i.e., “high church”) strain of the Church of England of which I am so fond. Chapel appointments are sparse. Rites are simple. I was prepared for that. As the liturgy progressed, however, I experienced a blend of what our parishioners at St. Luke’s might describe as a mix of Prayer Book and LCBC (Tabor Church, Lebanon). Very modern praise music, lyrics projected from video screens, a rather liberal interpretation of rubrics, a time of small group sharing after the excellent sermon – all served to break down any stereotype one might have had about the formality of worship conducted in many parishes of the Church of England.

None of this made me uncomfortable. It was natural and organic. It was rooted in the deep faith of the students who make up this worshipping community – many of whom come from backgrounds as varied as you can imagine. Some have come to faith from no faith at all. Others come from the usual, staid “stereotypical” CofE formalism where it’s mostly about getting it done, with no implication for the daily life of those who take part and now are seeking deeper meaning. Still others were touched by significant figures who were clearly

The exterior of the Chapel

moved by their faith and supported by their church community and want to emulate them. There are nearly as many reasons as there are students – some seeking ordination, others a deeper commitment within lay ministries (still another stereotype breaking down – more on that later) – but every one so much as I can tell moved by a single common motive – a response to their call in discipleship by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Regardless of one’s prejudices or preferences, there is no doubt that the Spirit is afoot. It is alive. And whatever you hear about the demise of the Church of England, God is at work.