UNWAVERING FAITH

Text and Photography by Ava-Jayani Karanth

For this photo story, I originally planned to show ‘A Covid-19 Christmas’ in a street photography style, however, this is not what I ended up photographing. As I began taking photographs in White City, I came across two churches across the road from each other. I was lucky enough to be invited into one to photograph the service. My photos capture the devoted Born-Again Christian congregation, who continued to meet in person weekly to profess their faith despite the threat of catching Coronavirus. The sermon was enriched by the congregation’s songs, music, and call for God through actions and posters.

Lady of Fatima Catholic Church has multiple crosses in front of the church.

During these testing times, faith bodies have been calling for people to find strength and determination within. The sub-headings of ‘Solidarity and Peace’, ‘Love in Action’, and ‘Dignity’ above the local Catholic Church reflects the universal pastors’ call to cherish these principles.

The outside of St Michael and St George Church, which serves White City community at large as well as activities from various faith led groups.

People are still trying to congregate as much as they can. Even though they have challenges to turn up to ceremonies, they practice their faith as much as they can.

Born-Again Christians meet weekly in White City at St Michael and St George Church and here they are preparing the hall for their ceremony.

They put Bibles on chairs before the congregation begins to worship God.

They put up posters to entice God in.

The Pastor’s wife looks forward to new people joining the congregation and is writing information on a pamphlet.

They use actions and songs to speak to God.