UK churches have been struggling to maintain attendance, but one thing that is bringing in more attendees is a renewing of old choral evensong music.
According to ChristianToday.com, choral evensong music has been around for centuries as part of church worship music. The renewing of this particular music is revitalizing churches around Britain.
A new website has even been set up to allow people to search and find choral evensong performances near them. The website is reportedly receiving 11,500 visitors a month, and that number is only increasing.
A total of 481 churches, chapels, and cathedrals are offering the choral music performances, and more churches are added to that list frequently.
These performances have been a huge boost in church attendance. One London church only had 10 attendees before offering the choral music, and now regularly receives nearly 200 attendees.
Even atheists are coming out to hear the music. “I have a certain love for Evensong,” said well-known atheist Richard Dawkins.
Church leaders are hopeful that those who do not regularly attend church services, but who are attending the choral evensong performances, will develop an interest and establish a relationship with a local church and continue attending.
Here is a link to find a choral evensong performance near you if you live in the UK.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: August 17, 2017
