In obscure circles nationwide, the debate rages on in attempts to settle a century-old question:  Is it a sin to drink alcohol?  While we are not here to answer a question that need not be asked, we did feel it worthwhile to point out a case in which it might be construed that the real sin is not indulging in the imbibement of a sweet beer.  The story hails from across the pond from within the walls of the Church of Engalnd.

With male attendance down in the Church of England, bishops and pastor are beginning to express concern.  Not wanting to sit idly by while English Men trade the couch for the pew, the clergy hatched a plan, beginning with Fathers’ Day, a celebration that has been overlooked in the past by the church.  With a senior Bishop’s approval, the group decided to offer free Ale as a gift to any male who made it to their local parish this past Father’s day.  As I have always found the Anglicans to be a bit of a pragmatic bunch, the bribe surprises me less than the UK Telegraph.  Nonetheless, I’d trade the free brew for the lottery number printed in the bulletin of my church that could have possibly been a match for a $25 gift card to Lowe’s (no, I didn’t win).

The plan played out like this:

The plan to distribute ale has upset groups working to tackle alchohol abuse, but the Rt Rev John Inge, the Bishop of Worcester, said that it could help churches to attract more men.

He argued that the free beer was intended to be symbolic of “the generosity of God”.

Men at St Stephen’s church in Barbourne, Worcester, will be handed bottles of beer by children during the service. A prayer will be said for the fathers before the gifts are distributed.

Doubtless, there are more than just a few naysayers; some despising the religion, others the gift, still others find it appalling that one must be lured to church.  You will find little condemnation here, nor much praise…I hope you all respond for us in the comments section.  In defense, the church points out:

“I don’t see any other time that we can stop and remember fathers, and this is a gesture saying ‘Here’s something that will bless you,’” he said.

“Posies of flowers are given to mums on Mothering Sunday and we wanted to give a laddish, blokeish gift to the men. A bottle of beer hits the mark. The whole of life is to be celebrated in church.”

Theology aside, I am sure that there were many happy men this past Sunday, and perhaps a few new rosy red faces in the pews.  How about you…Do you think the church crossed the line or made a wise tactical move?