Mariners' church embraces 'new horizons'

As people streamed into pubs, shops and more pubs in Galway city last Sunday, a small community marked the Sabbath with chants, clapping, vibrant song and prayer in St Nicholas's Collegiate Church.

The 14th century Church of Ireland building has thrown its doors open to African members of the Christian Evangelical Church in the city. Some two dozen worshippers, mainly from the Congo, have been given use of the side-chapel for services led by Pastor Gaby Tshimanga and Leon Kazadi.

Pastor Tshimanga, who was subjected to imprisonment and torture for preaching against the government in his native Congo before escaping to Ireland with his wife and family, said he was delighted at the generosity of the Church of Ireland community.

Up until recently, members of his church had been worshipping in private gatherings at home, but had been seeking use of a public space for some time.

The Rev Patrick Towers of St Nicholas's emphasised the building was not being "hired out" and the initiative was a joint one - "a meeting of equals". His congregation had already welcomed members of many religions, backgrounds and sexual persuasions, and regarded itself as a "mission church".

"We see the church as being at the crossroads of community life in this city, where so much is changing and so many different nationalities are coming to live together," he told The Irish Times.

St Nicholas's is known as the mariners' church - its spire being a navigational mark for entrance to Galway docks. It has been described as the second largest and best preserved medieval parish church in the State.

Rev Tom Long, who is also attached to the church, said the decision to welcome other faiths was in keeping with history.

"These walls have embraced strands of many cultures over centuries - the stones echo with Spanish, Cromwellian influences, so that can only continue."

Rev Towers said it was important other faiths accepted the inclusive approach of the parish. "We cannot, and will not, allow tribal attitudes on homosexuality, for instance, when we accept it here."

Nor could the church be seen as an alternative social service agency. "We just try to have an integrity of presence, where we can allow for the dignity of the person, and can empower people who find that they have nowhere to worship."

Rev Long said St Nicholas's was "on the margins of the Church of Ireland" because of its approach. However, it was not trying to create an "alternative" but to "embrace new horizons".