‘I was able to have great theological discussions with people from different denominations, yet we all worshipped together and took turns leading worship. There was something beautiful about garrison churches, in that denominations and ranks were left at the door. I can’t remember in five years asking anybody which denomination they belonged to. Everybody was just together.’ In her role as chair of Churches Together in Dorset, Katrina is able to see how churches work in partnership across the county. The group is known as an ‘intermediate body’, operating as part of Churches Together in England to support local groups. ‘We’re an executive committee that supports the work of Churches Together in Dorset and a paid county ecumenical officer who reports back to us,’ she explains. ‘During the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve held Zoom meetings with local Churches Together leaders in the county to talk about what they’re involved in and share good practice. ‘We also link up with denominational leaders in Dorset. Normally we would have a couple of leaders breakfasts each year. They have not been possible in the past 18 months, but we are planning one this spring when denominational leaders will be able to share any joys and concerns.’ Churches Together in Dorset supports all kinds of events. One was a service for people who had been bereaved by homicide. ‘Somebody had a passion to do it but needed support,’ Katrina says. ‘If people come to us and say they’d like to do something, but don’t know how or want support, then we can help.’ Katrina is also fully involved in her local group, which has been busy in the town over the past 18 months: ‘During the pandemic Churches Together in Swanage met every week over Zoom to see how we could best support our community. We decided to hold some services at the town’s new bandstand and invite people to come and say some thank-yous. A huge crowd gathered and people from different
churches interviewed counsellors, doctors and nurses. It was something for the community, something to say “the Church is here and we care”. ‘We also had a helpline during the pandemic. The number was published locally and a mobile phone was passed around from church to church, so there was somebody available 24/7.’ Katrina acknowledges that churches face challenges, especially as they adapt to a post-pandemic world, but she has seen them find strength in unity. ‘Church leaders from different denominations have openly shared their concerns,’ she elaborates. ‘Some are having to close churches quite rapidly. Some have a huge lack of ministers and leaders. Some are concerned about financial issues that the pandemic has highlighted. But there’s also a feeling that we’re all in it together. There’s been a real binding together over the past 18 months.’ Katrina is concerned that Salvationists are sometimes wary of getting involved
with other churches and is keen to break down any barriers. ‘The Salvation Army, by dint of who we are, can sometimes come across as very insular,’ she observes. ‘The Army has a unique position and I think our theology is sometimes misunderstood. There’s a bit of a fear of Salvationists mixing with others in case they get asked questions they don’t feel qualified to answer. But the body of Christ working together can only benefit the Kingdom of God.’ Swanage Corps is an example of that. It hosts a food bank where volunteers from different churches are involved in serving the community. Katrina would like to see more of that kind of engagement with other Christians. ‘I would say get involved, learn from one another,’ she encourages. ‘Talk to people in other churches, get to know them. The Army has a special ministry and other churches are also doing amazing things. We can work in partnership, so let’s be involved.’ Salvationist 15 January 2022
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