Bitterne Park-based Southampton Vineyard Church (SVC), which operates the Triangle’s Old Chemist, reports it is changing denomination “to better reflect and support their inclusive approach”.
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The following is from SVC in their own words:
‘A more inclusive church’
Bitterne Park based church SVC are changing their ‘denomination’ to better reflect and support their inclusive approach.
‘From October we will become Oasis Church Southampton, part of Oasis Charitable Trust. We aim to offer a safe place for more people to encounter Jesus and co-create a better world together’
Southampton Vineyard Church have gathered in the city for almost 30 years and have run The Old Chemist community building in Bitterne Park Triangle since 2010 and in recent times they have sensed the need to widen their welcome further.
Only one third of UK adult LGBT+ Christians feel ‘safe to be out’ in their local church, with many choosing to opt out of church altogether.
‘The church should be a place for people to thrive and feel safe’ Trustee Andy Deakin states, ‘Becoming part of the Oasis Church Network supports our endeavours to offer full inclusion, particularly for those of us who define as LGBT+’.
People who identify as LGBT+ aren’t the only ones feeling uncomfortable in the pews, as 1 in 5 believers have not returned to church since the pandemic. Church closures during Covid and changing times can lead to regular worshippers rethinking their religious beliefs.
‘We’re seeing more people decluttering their faith and needing a safe space to examine the faith they often grew up with.’ church leader Jo Williams says.
‘As a new church community, we will be less concerned with doctrines that determine who’s in or out and more interested in sharing our lives together. What unites us at Oasis is a desire to to see people reaching their full potential and knowing the love of God’.
• The church said it will continue to meet on Sundays, twice a month at Bitterne Park Sixth form and twice a month at the Old Chemist. It is welcoming the local community to join in with a launch party at the Old Chemist on Saturday, October 12 from 1-3pm, where there will be a short address by Oasis charity founder Steve Chalke followed by tea, cake and family fun.