Chester Diocese
News Item
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A singular issue facing parishes
A PARISHIONER is calling for raised awareness of the needs of single people in Church life. Wendy Morris, who is divorced and a member of the congregation at St Paul’s, Hooton, south Wirral, says: “Singles’ needs are very different to those of couples and the availability and commitment of single people are different also.” She detects a perception within church circles that once a person becomes 18 they are expected to quickly become a couple. “Then the Church only seems to have a place for them within marriage and family-orientated and couples-centred events,” Wendy adds. “What if we do not fit this pattern? What does the church offer apart from joining in with the social life of the couples? “Let us consider what happens to the singles who grow older, or become single through widowhood or divorce. They appear happy but is this truly respecting the needs of the single person? Might they be smiling on the outside and crying on the inside?” Wendy states that the proportion of the UK population living as single people is increasing but the Church is failing to realise and act upon that. She adds: “Some parish offices don’t see that there’s any need in their parish to offer social events for single people as they do for couples and families. But singles want to be valued, not treated as if they are invisible.” The Vicar at Wendy’s church, the Revd David Sargent, added: “It is vital that the Church is aware of the differing needs of those who make up our parish communities. Any initiative which seeks to include single people to play a full part in the Body of Christ must be welcome.” Telephone Wendy on 07779 859063 if you would like to help her campaign. (28/09/04)
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Wendy Morris
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