What kind of church is St Mary's parish Church, Hinckley? Churches vary:  some are much narrower in their 'theology',  in what is preached for instance, or  in relation to other faiths; some do not agree that women should be ordained as priests or allow  divorced people to marry in church. We have tried to set out  what kind of church we are at St Mary’s.  I would not claim for one moment that everyone who comes to St Mary’s will agree with all that follows – but this is what it means to be a broad church like St Mary’s – there is room for different opinions!   

IF THIS DESCRIBES YOUR KIND OF CHURCH

IF THESE (OR AT LEAST SOME OF THESE)

ARE THE VALUES & BELIEFS THAT YOU  SHARE

THEN IF YOU LIVE IN OR NEAR HINCKLEY YOU MIGHT LIKE TO COME ALONG AND VISIT US

Brian Davis Vicar.

·                    is an open church,  welcoming everyone in the spirit of Jesus Christ, seven days a week.  

·                    is a community church for all ages: our over-riding aim is to love and care for one another, and reach out to others, with the love of God.  

·                    tries to provide effective  pastoral care for everyone. 

·                    engages in community work through the St. Francis Centre. 

·                    places a high priority on work with children and young people, employing  a Children & Young Families Worker. 

·                    is proud to be part of the Church of England which bases its decisions  on the  Bible, tradition and reason.

·                    encourages people to read and study the Bible, believing that if we approach its words faithfully, through them we can ‘hear the word of the Lord’; but does  not believe that there are simple 'black and white' answers to every issue, or that just a text from the Bible will  settle difficult questions.

·                    is a community of people learning to pray for one another (we have a Prayer Chain); believes that  the Holy Spirit can bring renewal and hope (promotes Cursillo week-ends) believes in the power of prayer to change lives, and has a ministry of healing believing God meets us in our weakness. 

·                    while believing that Jesus shows us 'the Way, the Truth and the Life', also believes we have to respect other faiths, and engage in dialogue with them.  

·                    has an equal opportunities policy with regard to women: believes that women should be  accepted as priests and bishops.

·                    is particularly welcoming to those who have experienced failure and disappointment in their lives, such as the divorced, & is prepared to marry  divorcees, following C of E guidelines.

·                    is a broad church, which tries to provide a range of  services to enable people to worship in a style which helps them. It tries to be welcoming both to those who are confident in their faith, and to those who are searching or struggle with doubt.

·                    believes that, as Jesus said, "There is more happiness in giving than in receiving" and so gives away at least 10% of all donated income, in addition to special appeals. 

·                    believes that the church should be concerned with issues such as peace and justice (Make Poverty History, Fair Trade,  Christian Aid),  care for  the environment (global warming, recycling, and cycling!) and animal welfare – that Christians should promote care and concern for all aspects of God’s animal creation. 

·                    plays an active part in  Churches Together and believes that Christians of all denominations should, wherever possible, work together for God’s Kingdom, and pray with Jesus, “May they all be one” (John 17)