Christ the Saviour, Ealing

The Church of Christ the Saviour in London’s Ealing Broadway is High Victoriana at its very best. Although the church was moved in the direction of Anglo-Catholicism towards the end of that century and firmly remains there, it is well cared for and impressive to behold. Although not somewhere I could comfortably worship, I did not find it gaudy or ostentatious, unlike others of its ilk.

Nevertheless, with so much going on and Mary demanding her fair share of attention, the figures of the Rood required some peculiar purple uplighting to make them stand out against the lively background. Furthermore, a rather odd depiction of Jesus Christ, fair, cleanshaven and rather skinny adorned the east window, arms raised as though clamouring to be noticed. Artistically, this might all be very laudable, and theologically speaking, I have found High Churchmen a welcome contrast to the anaemic liberalism which plagues so much of their church. Nevertheless, the higher the view we have of the church, the more vital it is to keep our eyes fixed upon the Lord Jesus, its Head. Churchianity has little need for Christ, whether it be liberal or ritualistic. May we obscure all else, look away from all others and focus ourselves upon Him who is the author and finisher of our faith.

And I fell at his feet to worship him [the angel]. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10

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