St James' Church, Piccadilly

St James’ Piccadilly is a Christopher Wren church built in a combination of brick and Portland stone. Inside it is airy and spacious, with a barrel vaulted chancel. Sadly, it is one of those parish churches which are architecturally attractive, but ill-matched to what goes on under its roof, which is theologically and morally questionable to say the least. It hosts its very own drag shows ("similar to a traditional drag night, with some swearing and sexual reference") which it has named ‘PREACH!’. If this happens here, I think we can hazard a guess regarding the nature of the rest of the preaching. 

A statement found on its website goes:

“St James’ is not just a building; it is an idea and an invitation. The idea is that creativity is in itself a language of the human spirit".

I have no idea what this even means.

In the grounds, a Greek-style statue of peace stands, serene, inviting, as it were, a cessation of conflict. Liberal churches are keen to end war and usher in harmony, but the war between a rebel race and a righteous God is generally neglected. It is the cross that brings peace; it is a the Crucified Messiah who satisfied the Father's well-deserved wrath. 

I found St James' an interesting visit, but you’d sooner find me boiling my own head than worshiping here on a Sunday, or attending one of its shows the night before.