The growing appeal of Celtic spirituality among Christians is finding institutional expression in new congregations and even a quasi-denomination.
Both liberal and conservative Christians, as well as those in alternative religions (such as Neopaganism), have adopted various elements of Celtic traditions and spirituality–from an earth-based spirituality to a renewed concern with divine transcendence. The Australian evangelical magazine On Being Alive (June) reports that the recent formation of Celtic Christian Communion is the most tangible sign of the Celtic interest, as it claims to be based on the “catholic, apostolic and orthodox” church which flourished in Ireland and other countries in the first eleven centuries of the Christian era.
Some groups tied to this communion are the Holy Celtic Church, the Anamchara Celtic Church, and the St. Ciaran’s Fellowship of Celtic Christian Communities. These churches (for which no locations are provided except that they are in the northern hemisphere) generally meet in members’ homes as small cell communities and also in small chapels.
Worshippers are usually not required to renounce any previous denominational affiliation to worship. The worship style is liturgical, ordered according to the traditional Celtic Christian calendar. An emphasis is placed on the Celtic saints and their spiritual teachings. Celtic hymnody and musical instruments are often used.
(On Being Alive, P.O. Box 434, Hawthorn, Vic., 3122 Austrialia)
