It is a sad fact of life in 21st century Britain that many traditional forms of social life are in decline. They say that people do not flock as once they did to football matches. If they do not congregate in places of worship as they used to do, then neither do they gather in pubs and clubs as in days gone by.

The small screen has triumphed over the big screen – we’d rather be entertained in the comfort of our private homes than make the effort of socialising in shared spaces. We prefer the private car to the omnibus. If you share dismay at this, you will have no difficulty in giving your own string of examples!

Of course this has to do with convenience, choice, freedom. All these we prize – many would say they’ve worked hard for these rights, and they would not be wrong. But if this is all we think there is to life, then we are in grave danger. The Christian Gospel says that fullness of life is found only when we see this as part of a bigger picture – the universal necessity of love of neighbour and love of God. Or if you prefer, we can only truly enjoy personal freedom if we rightly understand our inter-dependence with other people, and on the ultimate reality of grace – the gift of unconditional love.

Which brings me to the plight of the Gladiator Sports and Social Club, on the corner of Iffley Road and Percy Street in East Oxford. The name gives little clue to its origins – it was founded by the Cowley Fathers as part of their outreach and service to local people. Although social conditions have changed, the club continues to thrive to this day, as an important social hub. There are 500 paid-up members. The bar and premises are well managed and well used for everything from Aunt Sally to the Radio Hams’ group. One hundred pensioners turn up every Thursday morning for bingo and social activities run with love and dedication.

So how come the future of this thriving club is under threat? The Cowley Fathers are no more (in Oxford, at least) and they left behind a trust to be the guardians of the club premises. The trustees are now seeking to sell off the freehold, in order to realise the capital value, to be used in other ways for their charitable purposes.

The club members are very worried, and it is easy to see why. I have suggested to the trust that they consider handing over the freehold to another church trust body, so that they can be relieved of their responsibilities and the future of the Club and the property can be safeguarded. They say they have considered this, but want to proceed with the sale.

The late Peter Moss (one time Lord Mayor of Oxford, and worshipper at the Cowley Fathers’ church) loved to quote a line from the hymn “Jerusalem the golden.” It goes on “I know not, O I know not, what social joys are there.’’ A good social club is a sign of God’s eternal kingdom.

I pray that the Gladiator Club can be saved and safeguarded. And I pray that all those who honour the love of God through wholesome socialising will know blessing this Easter time and in eternity.