Best Sunday morning alternative churches

There was a time when the majority of families in the UK would make their way to church every Sunday morning, but these visits are becoming more of a rarity, with many attending only on significant religious calendar dates like Christmas and Easter, if at all. If a conventional church service doesn't sound like your idea of a good time, what else is there to do with your Sunday mornings? Well, if you want something more spiritual than reading the morning papers cover to cover, how about trying out an 'alternative church'?

Christians with a love of heavy metal music will be pleased to hear that the two typically clashing interests can be celebrated together at a new kind of church. A recent BBC article explored the concepts behind some of these unusual religious groups, including the Order of the Black Sheep (Chesterfield) and The Glorious Undead (Camden). Although these 'heavy metal churches' still support traditional Christian beliefs they disagree with some of the major denominations' policies, including those that oppose homosexuality and other lifestyle choices. Hymns are replaced by heavy and death metal music, too, which is a bit of a change to the norm. The churches aim to reach people who have been excluded by mainstream churches, so don your heavy eyeliner, ripped jeans and one of the stylish leather jackets from Very and expect a warm welcome.

Another option for your Sunday morning is to attend a church that removes religion from the equation entirely. It may be the ultimate oxymoron, but a practising 'atheist church' really does exist. The Sunday Assembly in North London brings together over 300 non-religious people each week in a former church building to listen to readings of popular fiction, watch science lectures and sing pop songs together. It might seem like a strange and somewhat contradictory idea at first, but the organisers are keen to celebrate the positive and unifying aspects of church without the religious overtones. There is comfort in becoming part of a strong social community, and these new takes on traditional services allow everyone to join in.

Disclaimer: Post in collaboration with Kira Browdy

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirigentens/