Leicester Meeting, Not Great

The Unitarian congregation in Leicester meets in a rather fine, early eighteenth-century chapel in the centre, called the Great Meeting. Although closed earlier in the week when I was free to visit, its externals are attarcivee, dating to 1708. It was originally designed to house the city’s two nonconformist congregations, the Presbyterians and the Independents (Congregationalists). Their existence was formalised in 1672, though they doubtless met clandestinely during the former and subsequent periods of state persecution. In the easier days of toleration, they slid downwards into unbelief. Even today, the website claims:

We are a congregation which is independent of pre-determined beliefs. Instead we propose an open-minded and non-dogmatic approach to religious faith, founded on honest enquiry and respect for the beliefs of others.

In other words, they make it up as they go along. I am glad that conservative, evangelical faith, though less likely to be applauded by a godless world, is anchored to God’s word and its adherents shall survive the storms, both of this world, and those of the world to come.

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. Psalm 18:30

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