Faith United: Reviving the Church’s Mission and Purpose

Once the spiritual foundation of this nation, the Church of England today teeters dangerously towards an impasse. Scandals, poor administration, and a deterioration in public trust have cast a long shadow on its once-illustrious history. The departure of Archbishop Justin Welby, tarnished by his poor management of safeguarding problems, points to a crisis of identity as well as leadership.

Yet, this is not the death knell of the Church. It is an urgent call to action a moment to reflect, rebuild, and reclaim its mission. As a Muslim born and raised in Britain, I write not to admonish but to remind: when the Church falters, it is not just a crisis for Christians; it is a wound upon the very fabric of this nation. For centuries, the Church has been more than an institution; it has been the soul of Britain. To lose it is to lose something irreplaceable.

The Crisis of a Church Without a Compass

Justin Welby’s departure is symptomatic of a wider malaise. Attendance has dropped by roughly 20% since 2019, ideological disagreements have alienated both conservatives and progressives, and the faithful are lost in a divided institution.

But the greatest tragedy is not institutional it is spiritual. For many, the Church no longer feels like a sanctuary. It has become a battleground of politics and personal ambition, a place where the light of Christ struggles to shine through the cracks of controversy. Yet, the Church’s purpose has never been about the perfection of its leaders; it is about the perfection of faith.

A Return to Christ’s Roots

To revive its mission, the Church must rediscover Christ not as a distant, abstract figure, but as the living embodiment of divine truth. Christ interacted with the impoverished, spoke their language, and imparted wisdom that touched people’s hearts. He represented justice, compassion, and unflinching truth rather than power.

The Qur’an says Jesus is like a bright sign that shows everyone the way, and the Bible says he is the one who holds everything in the world together. It is as though Jesus is the glue that keeps the puzzle strong and complete, so we can all see how beautiful it is.

These shared truths across our scriptures offer a foundation for renewal. They remind us that Christ’s message transcends ritual and reaches into the very essence of human existence. The Church must reconnect with these roots, not by reinventing scripture but by deepening its understanding of the divine truths it already holds.

Faith Beyond Walls: A Shared Responsibility

Faith cannot be contained within stone walls or gilded cathedrals. The true Church is a living body, encompassing all who seek God’s light. If something good happens, like winning a prize, your whole body feels happy. Biblical scripture teaches us that when someone is unhappy, we should feel their sorrow; when someone is happy, we should rejoice with them. We are all connected, like a big family.

The verse from the Qur’an emphasises the importance of promoting collective efforts towards virtuous and ethical behaviour while discouraging collaboration in actions that lead to harm, injustice, or wrongdoing. It serves as a moral framework, encouraging individuals to support one another in building a righteous and harmonious society, while refraining from enabling behaviour that contributes to sin or aggression.

The Soul of Worship: Reviving the Choir

The verse from the Psalms encourages a response of joyful gratitude and worship, celebrating the marvellous works of God. It invites individuals to express their appreciation through a “new song,” symbolising fresh, heartfelt praise that acknowledges the greatness and goodness of the divine. This verse serves as a call to recognise and honour the wonders of God’s actions in the world.

Through the revival of choirs and hymns, the Church can once again become a place where the divine feels near. Music transcends language and doctrine, touching the soul in ways words cannot.

The Holy Land and the Moral Weight of History

The Holy Land, sacred to Christians, Muslims, and Jews, remains a symbol of faith yet is overshadowed by the ongoing conflict and suffering in Gaza, Jerusalem, and nearby regions. Yet, these lands are more than political battlegrounds; they are the cradle of prophetic teachings and divine revelation.

England, too, bears a sacred history. Its churches, hymns, and Christian values are woven into the nation’s cultural fabric. To lose the Church is to sever a vital thread in the tapestry of Britain’s identity, much as the loss of the Holy Land’s heritage would impoverish all humanity.

My Journey: A Muslim’s Love for Christian Values

As a British-born Muslim, my life has been shaped by the Christian heritage of this land. I grew up hearing hymns of hope, witnessing the quiet reverence of prayer in churches, and learning about Christ’s teachings in school assemblies. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for the faith that has guided this nation for centuries.

In my darkest moments, I have sought meaning in faith. The experience of suffering brings us humbly down to earth because it robs us of our delusions and makes us face reality. When the body is sick, we turn to doctors. When the soul is weary, where do we turn? Faith, whether Christian or Muslim, is the medicine of the soul. It restores, strengthens, and offers hope.

A King Without a Crown of Faith

As I write, I cannot ignore the symbolic weight of King Charles III—a monarch of a Christian nation, yet seemingly distant from the Church’s plight. Leadership is not about crowns or carriages; it is about responsibility to the people and to God.

If the King will not rise to defend the Church, then others must. As a British-born Muslim, I feel a strong moral obligation to warn my Christian brethren of the gravity of the situation.

Believe Again

To my Christian brothers and sisters: this is not a moment for despair but for action. The Church of England can rise again, but only if its people believe in its mission. Christ’s light has not dimmed; it waits for you to rekindle it.

The real King is not of earthly gold but of eternal truth. Believe again—in Christ, in the Church, and in the community that needs your light.

Together, we can restore faith, heal division, and protect the sacred heritage of this land. Let this be the moment we rise, not just for the Church, but for the soul of Britain itself.

Reference

(Quran 21:91)
(Colossians 1:17)
(1 Corinthians 12:26)
(Qur’an 5:2)
(Psalm 98:1)

The Lord’s Prayer In Aramaic