Whilst visiting various Churches in Northants – we discovered a leaflet that spoke about the concept of “Champing”. This is the idea that the interior of a Church is used for “camping”. The point of this is to raise money to pay to keep an old Church existing at a time when the State will not set apart any extra funds – even though everyone (Christian or not) in the UK pays for the Church of England through their tax. Well, we thought this to be an extraordinary development and decided to see what it is all about. For a not so cheap fee – the Church Authorities allow a group of people to occupy the interior of a Church from between 4pm – 10am the next morning. Strange but true. The doors are locked and the camp-beds are laid-out. There are fully functioning toilets and a kitchen, etc.
This must be the most spectacular integration of religion and secularism. I never thought I would live to see the Church of England finally give-up their last line of sanctity and allow all and sundry to stay as many nights as they can afford – and do whatever they like during their stay – providing the interior of the Church is not damaged. As an academic who uses the average Church as an early form of a search-engine – I find this a fascinating opportunity – albeit slightly disturbing and a little bizarre. Theravada Buddhist Temples, of course, allow practitioners to stay within their interiors – being fed and cared for free – providing there is space. Absolutely NO money is asked for or required (a Buddhist monastic must not touch money of any type). Not all Buddhist Temples follow this idea outside of Thailand, Sri Lanka, or Laos, etc, but they should do.
Although we have effectively purchased a unique experience – what concerns me is that the entire populace pays for the Church England and effectively owns all its Churches. Furthermore, the Churches belong to the nation which should remain open for all to use for free – whenever the need arises. By purchasing a unique visit – the Church is locked and no one else can enter it (there is a sign on the door explaining “Champing” is in operation:
This reminds me of what is happening in the NHS – which although owned by the nation and paid for through general taxation – sees and encourages individuals to jump the queue by effectively paying “again” for fast-tracked treatment. This closes-off the NHS system for the duration of the private consultation – thus preventing the true owners from gaining access to treatment. This is basically the privatisation of a publicly owned entity – what New Labour termed a “Private-Public Initiative”. Essentially an immoral manifestation of modern (consumerist) capitalism from the US – that is default set to destroy any form of collectivism. In this instance, god has been privatised and shows you something of the moral bankruptcy that is the CofE. I know this, and I know it partly in theory – and now I know it in fact. As I write – I am bolted inside an ancient English Church which the greedy CofE is using as an elaborate Youth Hostile. On the other hand, whilst investigating what is happening, we have managed to enter a Church for a day and night. Where this system may work – is with regards to old Churches which are no longer in use and are threatened with closure and demolition. In this case, then an alternative source of finance may well be required – one which does not exclude a congregation – as a congregation no longerbexists. Despite my assessment, those people involved in this project are sincere and do their best to provide a good service. This should not detract from the essence of my assessment. The poor cannot eat sentiment and good intentions when the injustices of society continue unabated.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 