Bishops invite commuters back to church - thestar.com

Dressed in their religious garments, teams of Anglican bishops and priests fanned out at GO Transit stations in the GTA Thursday to hand out pamphlets encouraging people to go back to church.

It was their second annual “Back to Church” outreach, part of an international initiative that started several years ago in the United Kingdom.

As thousands of commuters emptied out of Union Station, some appeared to think it was a stunt. Many wore grim expressions as they accepted the “invitations” and “good morning” greetings.

Others brushed past, looking annoyed, even walking out into the street to escape Archbishop Colin Johnson, in his full religious vestments, making like a pitchman trying to sell his brand.

It’s part of a push to get people back to church, and many commuters clearly didn’t know what to think.

“It’s weird,” Eric, who wouldn’t give his last name, said with a frown.

Some said they liked the idea. One woman said that if Jesus were here, that’s what he would be doing.

Another man, Greg Hood, 34, an accountant, looked bemused. He said he thought this was “another gimmick.”

Why wouldn’t he?

This is the corner where all kinds of brisk business take place. Competing for attention with the bishops were people with literature advertising Sears designer suits and others selling “daily deals” in Toronto.

When apprised of the fact, that they had competition, Robertson joked, “I thought this was our corner.”

Competition is what the Anglican bishops say is what has pushed them out into the streets to meet with people.

Bishop Philip Poole, who was stationed in Mississauga, said, “We’d be lying if we said that attendance is soaring and that all is well.”

Mostly, however, people are growing more secular and devoting less time to church, the bishops say.

“Competition is everywhere,” Johnston said. “The pace of life is a lot busier. We’re just hoping to make them stop and think.”

If last year’s event is any gauge, more people will be in the pews come Sunday.

After last year’s event, Johnston says Anglican churches in the Toronto diocese saw 1,800 more people coming up the church steps the following Sunday.

The bishops, however, said the objective is not just to get more business for their own churches. They say it’s to encourage people to get involved in their own houses of worship and put religion back into their lives.