Churches

Religion and spirituality can be an important part of life on Alderney. The Parish Church of Saint Anne, positioned half way up Victoria Street is often referred to as ‘the cathedral church of the Channel Islands’. It is in the centre of Alderney and works with other Christian churches in Alderney to serve the resident population and visitors.

To the bottom of Victoria Street you will find Alderney Methodist Church. It is open every day for visitors to spend time in peace and quiet and for children to enjoy the children’s corner. The Church and Hall have recently been refurbished and are fully accessible to all who find stairs difficult. The Hall is regularly used by several clubs and the Friday Community Coffee Mornings. It is available for hire by other groups.

Methodism came to Alderney in March 1787, initially through Adam Clarke and then John Wesley who was blown off course when en route to Guernsey and preached on Braye beach. The present building opened in 1852 and has continued to be a centre for worship for over 200 years, even through the war years when it was used by the German occupying forces. In 2019 both the church hall and church were restyled bringing them into the 21 st century as a modern community and worship centre. The Methodist community is large in spirit and keeps in tune with the expectations and challenges of modern living through offering hospitality to all who seek sustenance whether over coffee and cake on a Friday morning in the church hall or through a wide range of worship styles on a Sunday. Good ecumenical relations with the other churches have been a strong feature of island life and we welcome anyone seeking the Christian message that is proclaimed and practised at Butes Methodist Church.

Just around the corner on Braye Road you will find
St Anne and St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. It is connected to the convent of Alderney’s Franciscan sisters, who visit the old and sick in their homes and can sometimes be seen walking and praying in the more isolated parts of the island.

Half way up the High Street a small group of dedicated churchgoers meets every Sunday to worship at 10:30 in the Hall, which is also the venue for a number of meetings and prayer breakfasts during the week.

Further details can be obtained via emailing Alderney@salvationarmy.org.uk or phone 01481 822555. The Salvation Army on Alderney is part of a worldwide evangelical Christian church, whose mission is based on a faith in Jesus Christ who wants everyone to experience life in all its fullness. In keeping with this the Church welcomes all and puts the faith of its members into action by offering practical help for people without discrimination, standing up for those who are vulnerable, fighting against injustice and encouraging people to deepen their relationship with God.

Maison du Chien Meditation Centre and garden is open to the public 24/7. We welcome you to drop in for a free 45 minute guided meditation class at 2:15pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We have a small library/ lounge and kitchen so you are welcome to make yourself a cuppa and curl up with one of our books outside of session times. Formal  Buddhist prayers, one to one meditation sessions or short stay retreats are  also available and can be arranged by contacting Roberta Roberts-Mapp on 07781 426 610.