The popular AR game Pokemon Go has only been released in the United Kingdom on Thursday, but it is taking the country by storm as many British are now out in their homes to locate Pokemon. However, its not only the gamers who are taking advantage of the Pokemon Go fever as the Church of England is also opening its doors for gamers with some even signing up as Pokestops.
According to the Church, the game is "a good way to start a conversation that may lead on to other things." It has already released guidance directives to churches throughout the UK in order to encourage them in attracting players into the churches.
In addition to this comment, the Church's digital media officer Tallie Proud added that "Pokemon Go is therefore giving churches around the country a great opportunity to meet people from their area who might not normally come to church. You might also spot people standing outside the church on their phones who may be playing the game and at your 'PokeStop.'"
Church communities have been encouraged to welcome these gamers by placing welcome signs and hold "Pokeparties" like the one scheduled at Christ Church in Staffordshire on Friday. Some gamers, such as 22 year old Matthew Newbold tweeted his experience in visiting the church as part of his gaming experience, saying "Pokemon Go makes me such a better person. Had a charity coffee on my hunt for Pokemon at the church."
The church guidance communique did also include the warning for gamers to take extreme caution as they play the game. The guidance read "Whilst we would encourage churches to engage with those playing the game, be they adults or children, we also understand the concerns that the NSPCC have raised with regards to keeping children safe. Our first priority as a church should be to provide a safe place for children and vulnerable adults with regards to Pokemon Go"
Currently, St. Stephen's in Birmingham, St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral in Glasgow and Hope Church in North London are registered as some of the PokeStops in the UK.
