The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church and St Mary Magdalene Munster Square

The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Christ Church and St Mary Magdalene Munster Square is a registered UK nonprofit organization affiliated with the Church of England, dedicated to furthering the religious and charitable activities within its parish[3]. The charity operates in the Regent's Park Estate area of London and serves the local community through its parish church, St Mary Magdalene, located in Munster Square.

Background and Mission

The organization furthers the religious mission of the Church of England in its parish, centering its work on the spiritual life, worship, and community engagement associated with Christ Church and St Mary Magdalene. Rooted in the Anglo-Catholic tradition of the Church of England, the parish embraces a theology that is inclusive and welcoming to all, irrespective of social standing, race, age, gender, or sexuality. This reflects the council’s commitment to serving the people of the Regent’s Park and Crown Estates, as well as the Regent's Place business centre, with an aim to foster community transformation through sharing the Christian faith[1].

Worship and Activities

St Mary Magdalene Church offers regular worship services, including a Sunday Mass held at 11 a.m. with a sung liturgy based on Common Worship. Junior Church sessions for children are held most weeks, alongside a dedicated children’s play and prayer area, emphasizing the parish’s family-friendly atmosphere[1][2]. There is also a Wednesday Mass at 6:30 p.m., and various additional services and community activities are organized, often announced through the church’s calendar and social media.

Historical Context

The church of St Mary Magdalene in Munster Square has historical significance, having been founded by Reverend Edward Stuart, a curate of Christ Church, Albany Street[4]. The parish has a longstanding Anglo-Catholic heritage, noted for its early adoption of ceremonial practices such as the use of incense dating back to the mid-19th century[5]. The parish’s tradition continues to emphasize the importance of sacramental worship, teaching, and fellowship as ways to express and experience God’s eternal love.

Community and Inclusivity

Central to the council’s ethos is the belief that God’s love is unconditional and calls all people to share that love equally, creating a community where everyone is welcome regardless of their background or life circumstances. This inclusiveness underpins the parish’s efforts to engage with local residents and businesses, providing a spiritual home and support network within the diverse urban environment of London[1].

This parish council operates as Charity Number 1199958 and continues its work through the governance of the Parochial Church Council, accountable to the Charity Commission of England and Wales.

[1] https://www.stmarymagsnw1.co.uk [2] https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/15604/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5204039 [4] https://atom.aim25.com/index.php/saint-mary-magdalene-saint-pancras-munster-square-camden [5] https://anglicanhistory.org/england/riley/after/10.html