A Welcoming Place

These words from the motto of our patron Saint John Henry Newman reflect our desire to be a community that:

• listens attentively to God in scripture, tradition, creation and in the longings of human hearts.
• shares our faith in a spirit of love.
• respects our world, our Catholic heritage, our common humanity, other faith traditions and the sincerity of personal convictions.

The following message greets visitors to Coventry Cathedral. It seems to reflect the kind of church envisaged by  Pope Francis and its one we strive to emulate:

"We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, straight, gay, confused, well-heeled or down-at-heel. We especially welcome wailing babies and excited toddlers. We welcome you whether you can sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself. You're welcome here if you're just browsing, just woken up or just got out of prison. We don't care if you're more Christian than the Archbishop of Canterbury or haven't been to church since Christmas 10 years ago. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet and to teenagers who are growing up too fast.

We welcome keep-fit moms, football dads, starving artists, tree huggers, latte sippers, vegetarians, junk food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. We welcome you if you're having problems, are down in the dumps or don't like organized religion. We're not that keen on it either. We offer welcome to those who think the Earth is flat, work too hard, don't work, can't spell, or are here because Granny is visiting and wanted to come to the cathedral. We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both or neither.

We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throats as kids or got lost on the Ring Road and wound up here by mistake. We welcome pilgrims, tourists, seekers, doubters and you!"

Lord God

Your house is a place of welcome

a place of nourishment

A place of forgiveness, healing and peace.

Give us voices uplifted in praise

and hearts ready to welcome all you call.

Instil in us the desire to serve.

Unite in bonds of faith, hope and love

all members of our community.

Grant us grace upon grace

to build the temple of your spirit

creating its beauty from the holiness of our lives.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PCM