Have you ever felt the cold, stony silence of an unwelcoming congregation? Have you ever been on the receiving end of disdainful gazes, simply for being a newcomer? Have you ever been denied the basic common decency we're all entitled to? I have. And let me tell you, it's enough to shatter the faith of even the most devout Christian.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not here to accuse or to point fingers. But I am here to express my anguish, my disillusionment. How can we call ourselves followers of Christ when we refuse to follow his most basic commandment?

"Do to others what you want them to do to you,” the Good Book says in Matthew 7:12. Simple, isn't it? Yet, our churches are teeming with souls who would sooner behave like pagans than heed His Word.

How is it that we, the bearers of His Word, fail so spectacularly in basic human decency? Would Jesus ignore a newcomer to His flock? Of course not. So why do we?

My story, is not unique. It's the tale of many who've been left disheartened and disillusioned by the cold, unwelcoming embrace of the Church of England.

It's not right. It's not what Jesus would have wanted. It's not what He preached. And it's certainly not how we should treat each other.

So, what's the solution, you ask? It's simple. We need to behave like Christians. We need to welcome newcomers, to extend our hands in friendship, to be that beacon of light for those lost in the darkness.

We need to build genuine relationships, to truly connect with each other. And remember, it's the little things that count. A warm smile, a friendly nod, a helping hand - these are the things that make a church a haven.

And if you're still not convinced, remember this - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience," Colossians 3:12 admonishes us.

Let's make our churches the sanctuaries they are meant to be.

#Christianity