And there we must leave reality behind.

What you say would be of interest if it was the base of your church. But it isn't. Your church command obedience to a Creed, more than the Anglican ones do for that matter.

You slate me for wanting the tradition yet seem happy to recite words on a Sunday that you would rather people not take literally. Well most people in The UK want to use their local CofE church less frequently, chant the words but not literally believe them.

I think the difference between you and them is one of frequency and occasion. Plus most people increasingly can't see themselves as Christians as they cannot accept the embarrassing bits as true. Differentiating between belief and believing is beyond many of us, so congratulations for being able to do so.

Casinos of Reno, Vegas etc are something to see when UK people go abroad. How you think they fit in with wanting a traditional wedding etc is beyond me. If you can't get a church here, a hotel and the local government registrar will turn up if the hotel is registered for weddings. For the other traditional uses of church, christenings and funerals, you are left with either travelling to an enlightened parish or joining the thousands who tell them any old bollocks if it helps get the public service they advertise as performing.

I don't expect you to know the passive but ever present traditional role of the parish vicar to most UK people over the years, not just to Christians. Same as I don't have knowledge of Catholic churches other than visiting a few big ones on holiday such as The Vatican and myriad huge ones with fresh gold leaf in the impoverished areas of Malta.

Joe. Don't question my knowledge. Knowledge of the ins and outs of organisations are not a prerequisite to understanding their effect on others.