Re St Stephen Walbrook
[1987] Fam 146
判决理由
A faculty could be granted to install a Henry Moore altar (a large circular stone sculpture) in a Wren church, notwithstanding that it departed from traditional altar design, provided the change served the needs of worship and was consistent with the character of the building.
事实
The Rector of St Stephen Walbrook (a Grade I listed Christopher Wren church in the City of London) sought a faculty to install a large circular altar carved from travertine marble by Henry Moore. Objectors argued the altar was inconsistent with traditional Anglican worship and the building's historical character. The Consistory Court refused the faculty.
判决摘要
The Court of Ecclesiastical Causes Reserved (the appellate court) granted the faculty. The court held that the question was whether the altar would serve the worship needs of the congregation and was compatible with the character of the building. The fact that it was a modern work by a major artist was not a disqualifying factor. Liturgical requirements could be met by a circular altar. The court balanced aesthetic, liturgical, and heritage considerations.
关键引述
"The faculty jurisdiction exists to ensure that changes to churches are made responsibly and with proper regard to the interests of the Church, the parish, and the wider public."
— The Court
后续处理
The Henry Moore altar remains in St Stephen Walbrook. The case is a leading authority on the faculty jurisdiction's approach to significant artistic and liturgical changes.