Islamabad, April 4, 2025: In Shipley, a small town in northern England, a new and unconventional form of worship is gaining traction.
The Anglican Church of St. Peter has unexpectedly become the venue for “Wrestling Church,” blending faith and sports in a unique way.
The brainchild of 37-year-old Gareth Thompson, Wrestling Church is a creation aimed at merging the world of professional wrestling with Christian teachings.
Thompson, a former wrestler known as Gareth Angel, believes the dramatic characters of wrestling and storylines mirror the Christian theme of good versus evil.
For Thompson, wrestling represents the timeless struggle between light and darkness, mirroring Biblical stories such as David and Goliath and Cain and Abel.
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This approach comes as church attendance in the U.K. declines, with fewer than half of the population identifying as Christian, according to the 2021 census.
Wrestling Church has transformed the atmosphere of the church, with almost 200 attendees packing the pews for a recent event.
Fans—ranging from older couples to tattooed wrestling enthusiasts—witnessed two hours of action-packed wrestling, followed by a brief homily and prayer from Reverend Thomas.
Despite some initial skepticism from long-time parishioners, many have embraced the event, finding joy in the energy it brings to the church.
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Thompson’s charity, Kingdom Wrestling, extends his mission by offering training, self-defense, and mental health support to build community.
While some wrestling fans come for the sport, they often leave with a new perspective on faith.
The integration of Christianity and wrestling has allowed individuals like Kiara, the organization’s women’s champion, to incorporate her Catholic faith into her wrestling routine.
Though Wrestling Church may be unconventional, it’s thriving.
With plans to expand to other cities, Thompson remains confident that the power of faith and the excitement of wrestling can continue to resonate with new audiences.
