St Martin-in-the-Fields is the motherhouse of the Nazareth Community and the Companions of Nazareth. Like Cluny or Taizé it aims to be a sign of inclusion, dialogue and unity which provides members of the community with a place of meeting, challenge and belonging. St Martin’s provides the theological base for the Nazareth Community based on The Nazareth Manifesto. St Martin’s mission statement is “At the heart, on the edge” and this is the spirituality the Nazareth Community tries to model where contemplation is linked with action and those on the edge are at the heart of our mission. St Martin’s is a church with an open door which allows for questioning and wondering and for those who come to discover for themselves and within community the meaning of Jesus Christ. St Martin’s is a church on the edge of Trafalgar Square but also a church far beyond Trafalgar Square trying to live God’s kingdom now to which all are welcome. Timothy Radcliffe has a wonderful image for a church to flourish he says it is like making bread. “One gathers the edges of the dough into the centre, and spreads the centre into the margins. One makes the loaf by overthrowing the distinction between edges and the centre, making God’s loaf, whose centre is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.” St Martin’s is a generous church where we have blessed to see this leaven at work.

​

Many of those who are Companions of Nazareth are members of their own local or parish churches and their membership of the Nazareth Community aims to be a spiritual resource and discipline for them and means of growth within this context and not something that draws them away from involvement with their own church.

​

When they visit London members of the Companions of Nazareth are invited to worship at St Martin’s or join us for the live-streaming of services relating to the rule of life of the Nazareth Community. On Sundays those who are able are encouraged to join their own churches.

​

The Nazareth Community itself is a gathered community not dependent on a property but makes its home at St Martin’s which guides its theology and practice and can be called upon for advice guidance and governance. St Martin’s is reciprocally blessed and served by this integral praying community at the heart of its ministry which is open to all members of St Martin’s and beyond. The International Group which provides community and support for those with no recourse to public funds is served by the Nazareth Community who provide many of its volunteers. The Nazareth Community also aims to support those who move from the role of guest to volunteer and who often become members of the Nazareth Community which supports this transition.

​

The Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields is the protector of the Community and Companions of Nazareth. The Nazareth Community seeks to be financially self-sufficient and cost neutral to St Martin’s PCC. It does not seek to build up its own financial assets but to contribute towards the whole life of St Martin’s as a resource church and the wider worldwide membership of St Martin’s who draw on our St Martin’s programmes, worship, mission, teaching, lecture programmes and contemplative prayer.

​

Other churches are also invited to host Nazareth gatherings and the Nazareth Community seek to gather at other churches at least 3 times a year.

​

The Royal Foundation of St Katherine’s provides an annual place for quiet days and retreat for both the Nazareth Community and Companions of Nazareth gathering in London.