The spiritual movement, of which Purley Chase is a part, is based on the interpretation of the Bible found in the books by Emanuel Swedenborg (1668-1772). His early readers in Britain met together at the end of the 18th century to learn about and embrace the new framework of his ideas.
Some wanted to remain within their own denomination such as the Church of England, believing that in this way the teachings would permeate more effectively. Others thought a separate religious organisation was needed to promote the new ideas.
The term ‘Nova Ecclesia’ was used hundreds of times in Swedenborg’s books. The newness implied is of inner spiritual state or quality. Jesus said ‘I make all things new’. It was thought that what is meant by this is a renewal and refreshing.
The separatists felt that an independent denomination was needed for a reassessment and reshaping of a Christ-centered teaching and life.
Hence, the General Conference of the New Church started in 1789 as a separate Christian denomination. It has had a continuous existence in Great Britain since 1815. Many societies formed up and down in Victorian Britain and its hey-day was in at the turn of the 20th century.
The above is an extract from ‘A Branching Life’ by Revd Dennis Duckworth
Summary of the beliefs of our Church
- We believe there is one God, who is the God of all religions.
- We believe there is a place in heaven for all who show love to God and to other people, whatever their religion.
- We believe that God has shown himself to us in a human form – Jesus Christ.
- We believe that if we live a good life, with love to God and other people, we will live in heaven with other angels who are similar to us.
- We believe that hell exists but not that God sends us there. It is a place that people choose for themselves if they prefer to make selfish choices.
- We believe that God gives us the freedom to choose whether to be good or bad.
- We believe that if we pray to God for help, and truly wish to be better people, He will help us to do so.
- We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, full of symbols and parables that teach us about spiritual life.
- We learn more about the heavenly meaning of the Bible from the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg who was an 18th century scientist, philosopher and theologian.
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