Outrage as Leading Christian Bookstores to Open on Sundays
Church organisations have expressed disappointment and surprise at news that one of Britain's most well-known chains of Christian bookshops is looking at plans to open its stores in Sundays.
by Daniel Blake
Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2007, 11:56 (BST)
Church organisations have expressed disappointment and surprise at news that one of Britain's most well-known chains of Christian bookshops is looking at plans to open its stores in Sundays.
The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) has made an announcement saying that it is looking at opening a number of its shops on Sunday afternoons, however, it added that none of its workers would be forced to work on Sundays.
The statement released by SPCK, which has more than 20 shops across the country, said the organisation had carried out a consultation on the issue among its staff, customers and church leaders.
It stated: "Most cathedral and large church bookshops have always carried on trading on Sundays, with the clear benefit of making Christian books available to members of the public who otherwise may go unserved.
"In no case would an SPCK bookshop be open during a Sunday morning service, and in no case has or will any employee of an SPCK bookshop been compelled to work on a Sunday."
Director of The Lord's Day Observance Society, John Roberts, has said: "The Lord's Day is a very important day for all Christians, and has held a special place in their week, namely for rest and worship."
According to the Church of England newspaper Roberts continued: "This decision will deprive staff of both these requirements. It will also take away from them valuable time with their families, which is so vital in today's pressurised society.
"Almighty God gave this day to be a blessing to the human race. This step seems to have been made on commercial grounds only, with little thought for staff and those longstanding supporters of SPCK who have spoken to us."
In addition, Dr Michael Schluter of the Keep Sunday Special Campaign also criticised the decision, telling the Church of England newspaper: "This is deeply at odds with Christian belief and practice. We know that long working hours leads to family breakdown and prevents people from engaging with their faith."
However, the Chairman of Saint Stephen the Great charity which incorporates SPCK, has defended the plans, saying the decision has been made according to the bookshops mission to make Christian literature readily available. In particular, he hoped the new measures might make it easier for those that could not get to the shops during the working week.
According to the Church of England newspaper he said: "We want shops to be open whenever possible. In no instance would we be open during church services. We plan to be open for three or four hours in the afternoon."
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Have your say on this article
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Sunday, June 17, 2007, 13:08 (BST)
I am a born again, spirit filled christian. Christians have no right to impose their views on other people. The keep Sunday special, and the Lord's Day Observance people may be sincere but they are sincerely wrong. God is not fond of Sunday only christians. The deal with christianity is simple, you give him your life, and He gives you His life through the Holy Spirit. Christianity is truly 24/7. Every single day is equally the Lord's when you are a real christian.
Andrew Wakeling, Swadlincote, Derbyshire
Added: Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 22:39 (BST)
While you decry Sunday openings with "outrage," the Muslims are taking over our once Christian land - just as they are doing in France, Spain, and Germany. Where is the "outrage" over the Islamic-based killing IN LONDON of a 20 year old girl by her father? Where is the "outrage" over the renewed Jihad in Lebanon by which the remaining Christian remant is being murdered, raped and pillaged? If only Sunday trading of Christian books was really that important - but compared to the real battles, it just isn't. Condemning SPCK Bookshops for it is absurd hypocrisy of the worst sort.
Ben Keyes, London
Added: Sunday, June 10, 2007, 2:22 (BST)
Why shouldn't a Christian bookseller be open to sell books on the Lord's Day? It makes complete sense and is in no way a violation of Church teachings - any more than was Christ's numerous miracles which he performed on the Sabbath. He called those who objected to His Work, "Hippocrates!"
Jonathan Featherstone, Birmingham, UK
Added: Saturday, June 2, 2007, 13:49 (BST)
Keep holy the Sabbath, say the Lord! The world is in such a mess because we Christians break the Third Commandment by shopping, going to sports, eating out, etc. If we break one Commandment, we break them all; and God's graces are held back. Obey the Commandments and the Lord said: "I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people." [See Lev. 26:3-12]. God will bestow peace and prosperity on us if we keep His Commandments!
Deacon John, Orlando, Florida, USA
