Costa Blanca English Church Logo

What we offer…

First of all we offer and English speaking priest on the Costa Blanca.  But having a Reverend who speaks English (as well as Spanish) is one thing, in this page we want to talk more about what we have set out to achieve, how we can help you and how you can get involved with the Costa Blanca English Church.

Whether you are looking for a way to learn and discover your spiritual / religious paths, have questions or doubts about your beliefs or are just in one of life´s moments when you need an English Speaking priest in Spain, we hope that we can be of assistance for you. 

 

Costa Blanca English Church Logo

English Speaking Priest Costa Blanca

From someone to talk to in a period of sadness, worry, loneliness or loss through to a celebrant of your occasions – from births to losses, Reverend Steven wants you to feel comfortable in picking up the phone of sending an email.

We are not a Church in the traditional terms.  Firstly we are not associated with any specific “branch” of Christianity.  That´s to say that we are neither Catholic, Protestant or any other following.  We are Christians who believe in Jesus Christ, love, gentle kindness, acceptance and forgiveness.  We are not associated with any other religious organisation in Spain and remain independent.

Reverend Steven was brought up Methodist, then Confirmed CofE and comes from a long family history of preachers and ministers.  You can find out more about what we believe by clicking this link.

WE DO NOT MAKE ANY CHARGE FOR ANY OF OUR SERVICES. 

Our Goals

We would like to set up one or more groups where we can meet, either for informal get togethers or regular services and if you are interested in this, whether that is attending and seeing what we are all about or getting involved in the organisational aspect then please do get in touch with Reverend Steven.  We are also looking (because we have been asked by several) to start get-togethers / services online through Zoom which will mean we can offer out pastoral care where we are based on the Costa Blanca or even further afield.  Keep an eye on out blog for more information about this.

Here when you need us

I understand that the majority of us go through life, as Christians or not and probably never set foot in a church or read a bible but there are times when we need the “services” of an English Speaking Priest who will accept us even as “non regulars” and offer their services when we need them.

This could be at a joyous time such as to welcome the birth of a new addition to the family, celebrate a wedding* or anniversary or at a time when our world is falling apart and we have a loved one who is sick or, perhaps we have experienced a recent loss and need to organise a funeral service.  Likewise, sometimes we want to hold memorials or other types of ceremonies.  Likewise, there are times in our lives when we face challenges and need a listening and non judgemental ear and often, finding an English Priest on the Costa Blanca who can assist us and in who makes us feel comfortable when we need it most can present it´s own challenges. 

At The Costa Blanca English Church we welcome everyone and nobody is a stranger to us.  From planning that exciting upcoming event to help when you need it most.  We do not charge for our services, everything we do is voluntary and to help others and you are welcome to call and speak directly to Reverend Steven who is an English Speaking Priest who has lived most of his adult life on the Costa Blanca (and who also speaks fluent Spanish) whenever you want.

Traditional Services

We are here to help in any way that we can, and just because you don`t see it here doesn´t mean you can´t ask.  That being said, our services are broken down in general to the following areas.  

Weddings Costa Blanca

You can find out more about our celebrations and Costa Blanca Weddings here.

* It´s important to point out that Spain has strict rules regarding weddings and it is only the Catholic Church and a select few other organisations that can conduct a wedding without any “civil” element to it.  That being said, we can talk you through this because the civil element can be as basic as a formality of signing a paper and then, your Religious service carried out as your main celebration by an English Priest on the Costa Blanca, sharing of vowels and so on.

We are a completely inclusive group and so it goes without saying that LGBTQ+ weddings are of course not a problem.  Quite the opposite, we want to make your day as special as you do and so please, have no fear in contacting us for any type of wedding or celebration – and that includes if you want to do something exotic like a beach wedding, a wedding at sea or any other type of service or venue you want – totally as you want – with as much or as little of the “religious” aspect included.

Other Celebrations

From Christenings / Baptisms through to renewals of vows, please read how our English Priest on the Costa Blanca can help you with your celebration.  And if you don´t see what you are looking for but want the blessing of God for any other celebration or period of your life then please, don´t feel apprehensive about reaching out through the contact page.

Sad Times

When the time comes to organise a funeral in Spain, one thing that often surprises people, especially those from other backgrounds or cultures, is the speed at which events take place.

Traditionally in Spain, from the time of passing until the funeral there is around 24 hours. I used to have real hang-ups around this at first, feeling that it puts the family under enormous pressure.  Now I see things differently and appreciate the reasons why the Spanish culture is this way.

Nevertheless, there are no specific laws that state that a funeral must take place within 24 hours and indeed it can often be the case when foreigners like us loose someone that we need to make arrangements for family and friends to come from far away.  But, what should be kept in mind is that usually the longer you “delay things”, the more the cost, with most funeral homes (Tanatorios) charging per 24 hour period,

You can find out more about our Funeral Services in Spain here and how we can help you from a religious (or non religious) perspective at your time of need.

As well as organising with you and carrying out the funeral service, we can help with translations, speaking with your chosen funeral home on your behalf and ensuring that everything is as you want and of course as your loved one would have wanted.

In the event of the loss of a loved one, should you wish for Rev. Steven to help with the funeral service, please make contact with us as a matter of priority.  Please remember that his work is voluntary and fits in with the rest of his life which means that he may not always be “on standby”.  In the event that we cannot help directly, we will always try to point you in the right direction.

Moments of Need

Rev. Steven will always try to help in whatever way he can, from a listening ear, to a private prayer.  Hospital visits are also something that we can organise whether you or a relative are pre or post-surgery, recovering from an illness, going through a treatment or are nearing the end of life.  Again, please note that we cannot always guarantee immediate assistance depending on other commitments or the location.