Celtic Christianity

"Celtic Christianity" is the name given to the non-Roman Catholic practice of Christianity on the British Isles from the time of the arrival of the first missionaries to the Protestant Reformation. It is also the name given to the more modern practice of integrating those traditions into worship today.

   
We know that Aristobulus was named the bishop of Britain and died in AD 99. Patrick went to Ireland in the 400s, and Columba to Scotland in the 500s. From these times until between 600 and 716 (depending on the region), the practice of Christianity became "insular"—that is, the people were relatively free from Rome's heavy hand and able to determine their own worship traditions, many of which combined Christianity with the pagan practices from which the people had converted. Eventually, Rome renewed interest in the far-off land, and in AD 664, British King Oswiu agreed to convert to Rome's rule. Other territories gradually followed suit. "Celtic" Christianity died when the Protestant Reformation stamped out the last vestiges, declaring it pagan.   

Modern Celtic Christians have adopted the traditions of the ancient church to make their own worship more meaningful and organic. There are very few surviving writings of the time beyond a few prayers and traditions varied from Britain to Ireland to Scotland to Wales. We know church life revolved around abbeys, not cathedrals; that itinerant monks preached to the people; that church hierarchy was much looser than in Rome, often organizing around families and tribes; and that clergy could be married. Christian leaders had different customs regarding penance and tonsure (hair style), and had three different types of martyrdom: hermithood, exile, and death.    

Celtic Christian initiates join an abbey attached to a Protestant denomination—usually liturgical like Anglican, Episcopalian, or Presbyterian. Some abbeys own facilities, but they are just as likely to be a group of geographically separated monks and nuns who may even worship at churches of different denominations. The initiate is assigned a more experienced spiritual mentor—an Anam Chara, or "soul friend"—to guide them through at least six months of catechism. Monks and nuns may be married and have families, vowing to serve where they are, and the abbey itself may be comprised of extended families or community groups.

   
Women typically have more authority than in the Roman Catholic tradition. Practitioners rely heavily on the leading of the Holy Spirit,  They seek out "thin places"—locations where the spirit world seems particularly close. They understand that one's spiritual life and worldly life should not be separated, but we should live out our faith in every-day ways. The arts are encouraged as tools of worship, and Celtic saints, such as Saint Patrick, Saint Columba, and Saint Brigid, are venerated. Nature is cherished and celebrated as a reflection of its Creator's nature. And despite the ethnic pride running through all, hospitality of all people is highly emphasized.