Our Church, Our Values and our Mission
We are independent from all other Christian and Religious organisations and on this page we will explain what we believe, how we came about and how you can get involved.
What we believe
Many will call themselves “Christian” but also have uncertainties, doubts or just feel that they don´t “fit” in a normal “church”. Indeed, we believe that many traditional churches are fast becoming almost “unfashionable” as we evolve in a society where we now question more, try to make more sense of things and believe in realities and what can be seen and understood.
It can be difficult, especially for those in the English Community in Spain to find their spiritual home. Many of us are “believers” when it comes to our wedding or indeed a funeral and we teach our children the classic biblical stories but we don´t “go to church”, many often even having feelings against some of the “politics” of some church organisations.
We get it, and we were born from this same feeling. So, The Costa Blanca English Church is a small setup (indeed we are voluntary and still on the path to official recognition, but it is planned) but we aim to bring reality to Christianity, help people find the spiritual path that they feel at home with and to cut out the old and often outdated and frankly illogical or even (some may say) hypocritical parts associated with religion. We are not a cult, not a “happy clappy” place you have to visit, but instead a gentle welcoming kind small group that welcomes all, no matter who you are, whether you speak English or Spanish.
Read more about our founder Reverend Steve, below.
Here when you need us
It´s not wrong to go through life without ever entering a church. It´s not wrong to skip the tradition and Jesus probably wouldn´t have wanted you to feel such obligations. We want to be here for anyone on the Costa Blanca (or indeed anywhere else) whenever we are needed. Whether that´s as part of a regular group we are looking to form with meetings (either in person or online) or just when you come to one of those moments in your life when you feel a need to talk, need help, need a friend.
We want to bring to the table what people want and this is where we need to hear from you so please do get in touch. We are a new independent group and want to mould it to be a spiritual home for the people. This is why we want to evolve with you, for you and for everyone.
What do you feel is missing? A regular Sunday service? A physical lace to attend? Casual group get togethers? Online prayers and worship? Please let us know because whether we have known you for years or never spoken to you before, you are welcome and just as valued as everyone else.
Did you find this website because you feel in need of spiritual help now? Get in touch, you are very welcome, whatever your background or belief – we are not here to preach to you, but to listen to you and help you in any way you can.
Celebrate your Occasion
Find out more about how we can help you with your special celebration. From a wedding blessing, baptism or christening, service of remembrance, renewal of vows or any other occasion.
And remember, we are Christian in our beliefs but we are also human and can make your special occasion as personal to your wishes – from a traditional religious service to a more casual or non-traditional celebration – or a hybrid of the two approaches.
Here for the difficult times
Whether it is prayer for the sick or elderly, or perhaps you have found us at the most difficult time in needing to organise a funeral. We are here to help you in any way that we can.
Click here for further information specifically about Funeral services.
Everyone is equal
We are not a strict organisation in any way but we do have one rule – to do what is right and that means no discrimination.
You are welcome regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or background. God is Love and Love is universal.
About Reverend Steven
So we will get the embarrassing childhood photos out of the way now – it´s one way of breaking the ice! I was brought up in a Christian household, in fact my Grandparents were strictly religious – Evangelical and my Grandfather was a regular preacher at a local church before forming his own “Mission” alongside my Grandmother and others. But that was all long before I came along, although I still cherish the countless bibles and sermon notes that I have.
I was Christened into the Methodist Church before going on to an Anglican CofE upbringing. I made my debut as a shepherd before going on to become a boy soprano in the church choir and then, aged 10 I was confirmed CofE.
Early Adulthood Brought Questions
As I went through my teens I recall that period of learning about my own sexuality and sitting through church services hearing the Priest talking about the sins associated with homosexuality. This left a scar because I was a strong believer, I had studied hard for my confirmation (we had a very strict Priest and Bishop) but could not rid myself of the inner conflict between gradually coming to terms with who I am, what I could not change about me and yet what those who I looked up to were telling me.
It´s only with age, deep questioning, and some wonderful spiritual guidance over the years that I have realised Jesus´s take on homosexuality (and I won´t bore you with that here but you are welcome to get in touch!) and began to reconnect spiritually after many years of being lost.
Adult life has been wonderful for me, from moving to Spain at the wee tender age of 20 (now I am a middle aged grump) but despite life´s ups and downs I am a very happily married middle aged grump although despite Spain´s inclusive approach on sexuality, it was a CofE priest who told me “I will bless your marriage if you keep it quiet” that was the end of my strict Anglican beliefs.
Mid Life and Today
My professional life has taken me on a wonderful journey where I have done so much, from running my own businesses from a very early age through to leading corporate organisations (and everything in between).
For some years I had internal conflicts over my spiritual beliefs because on one hand I am a Christian but on the other hand, traditional Churches have been a place where I have never been “fully” accepted – I mean deep down by all. I have even had people quote the book of Leviticus at me over my sexuality – the same book that talks about some other pretty awful things really and so I grew to adapt my religion to see true Christianity for what it is – Love.
More recently I was inspired by a former CofE priest who, many years ago started an independent inclusive and safe organisation in the UK and I guess, in starting out the Costa Blanca English Church I am taking a lead from his inspiration.
I am ordained by the Universal Life Church which are USA based and welcome people of all beliefs and backgrounds. I feel spiritually safe with them and have met some wonderful people long the way. So that brings me on to the Costa Blanca English Church – what we are today and where I hope that we will go – and I invite you to join me on the journey together.
I gained ordination with one mission – to help others, to spread love and to do good. At the moment it´s just “little old me” offering Christian assistance and pastoral services but this is where I need your help because I know that in Spain, particularly in the Costa Blanca there are some English Speaking religious groups and churches but I also know that not everyone feels at ease with traditional churches.
So, my plan in the short term is to offer my services completely free of charge to anyone who needs me, whenever and however I can. I really want to build a group, a community, whether that is for meetings (presencial or online), or just a community of people who “are in contact” and I would love to be able to help not only people but animals as there are no many in need in the Costa Blanca. This is why I do not charge but if anyone asks me if they can donate money I tell them that they are welcome to donate to any animal shelter of their choice if they with to. At the moment, operating on this basis falls under the Religious Freedom laws in Spain although I must point out again that I am not associated with the Catholic Church or any other religious organisation other than the ULC with whom I am ordained. Mid term I want to register the Costa Blanca English Church as a religious organisation in it´s own right but for that I may need help in terms of people onboard to help / volunteer / or just turn up!
The journey from then on is in the hands of God so don´t ask me today if this is a good idea, ask me in a couple of years and if we indeed have built something solid and I am not just a “funerals and weddings” guy then we know God is onboard with the idea!
