A VICTORIAN church called St Michael’s has renamed itself “St Mike’s” in a bid to attract young people.
The 148-year-old place of worship’s trendy rebrand prompted one parishioner to quip: “Is St Mike a grandson of St Michael?”
2
St Michael's Church is getting a 'trendy' rebrand and is to be renamed 'St Mike's' 2
Reverend Sarah Yetman (pictured) says she is trying to engage younger generations with the rebranding
Reverend Sarah Yetman said she wants her church, renovated with Church of England cash, to be “attractive and engaging for younger generations”.
She added: “We’re bringing new life into the old building and planting a new congregation into the church.”
But a source told The Sun: “The idea that teenagers will be more interested in going to church if we rename it ‘St Mike’s’ is ridiculous. What’s next — St Dave’s? St Pete’s?”
St Mike’s, in Bournemouth — which is also opening a coffee bar — will be formally rebranded in December.
Two years ago the Church of England came under fire after installing a helter skelter in Norwich Cathedral.
It was also criticised for opening a nine-hole crazy golf course in Rochester Cathedral’s nave in 2019.
The Sun contacted the Diocese of Winchester while the Church of England declined to comment.
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