We went to Church today. It's the first time I've been in a very, very long time.
My wife has a beautiful soul. She has bounced between my atheism and her faith for 6 years. In that time Mummy has explored her faith through personal reflection and rediscovery.
It's a sad fact of life that there are places, even in England, where to openly declare your faith will condemn you to torment, abuse and violence from the dross of humanity that inhabits so much of our island. It's bearable when it's just you or you and your partner, but throw in infant children and it's then best to keep your head down, and don't show any outward sign of your faith.
The spark for Mummy's renewed vigour was fanned by visits from Mormon evangelists. Languishing in the pre- language environment of maternity leave and desperate for an adult conversation Mummy began her journey back to God.
As a confirmed Anglican, with a quick, sharp mind Mummy outgrew the Mormon advances quickly and desperately wanted to start attending the local church. The day she came back from the shops and was greeted by the local kids screaming slag and grass at her and our 1 year old put paid to that idea.
But when, at last, we were able to escape from the prison of a nasty cheap and godless little council estate the decision was made for her and, as she wanted to take our two toddlers, for me also.
The choice was ours to make as our new home was on the border of the parish and our first visit to the house took us past the imposing St Luke's.
Our plan was simple, we would spend the month before our move visiting the three local C of E churches and decide which one we felt most at home in.
St Luke's had the added attraction of a faith school, so it made sense to start there.
Suitably scrubbed and washed and feeling more than a little anxious me, Mummy C and A walked through the door of St Luke's 10 mins before the start of the service.
The experience of entering the Church was like being welcomed to an old friends house whom I'd not visited for a while.
We took a seat at the back of the Church and waited for the service to begin.
I can't remember much of the service. I enjoyed singing, but didn't recognise any of the hymns and no hymn books instead there was modern technology with the words on the screen above and to the side of the alter.
Then there was tea and biscuits and a tap on the shoulder. "They all said there was a new couple and I said that's Vince!"
M is a wonderful lady. I'd worked with her in a role in Government about 2 years earlier where I'd spent a few days each week sitting either opposite or next to her. I'd left at the end of a temporary contract never really having got to know her properly and due to the nature of the business not being given the opportunity to say goodbye.
We stayed way past the end of the service and when the boys decided they were going to explore behind the high altar it was time for us to leave.
As we walked out of the door Mummy and I looked at each other "Think we've found our Church" we said together.
PS we haven't wanted to try any of the other churches.
