Anniversary of ritualism riots marked at St George-in-the-East

22/01/10

The Archbishop of Canterbury visited St George-in-the-East on Wednesday, to mark the most intense period of the Ritualism Riots that occurred at the church 150 years ago, in 1859 and 1860.

This was an extraordinary period in the history of the church, and in the religious life of the nation. Every week the services were interrupted by rowdy and sometimes violent demonstrations against 'innovations' in the style of worship - although all of the things complained of are commonplace today.

Speaking on Wednesday the Archbishop explained that the riots were a reaction to the emergence of a new generation of priests who were not content with the "low expectations" of the past. The Archbishop stated that, "one of the things that touches people most deeply is when their expectations are upset".

The Archbishop went on to tell the gathered congregation that this new generation of priests believed that, "the Church was a spiritual reality and that the Church was a new creation" and he added that these priests "wanted people in Church to experience something of heaven."

There was also a painting of St George and Dead Soldier by Scott Norwood Witts on display, which presents St George as a man of peace and a figure who is honoured by various faiths in many parts of the world.