Our Story - 2018 CoB at The Cockpit

Money burning at CoB 2018
Church of Burn at The Cockpit 2018. Photo by Jonathan Greet
John Crow at CoB 2018
Ritual by John Crow for Church of Burn at The Cockpit 2018. Photo by Jonathan Greet
Burning of Lucky Dollar at CoB 2018
Rev Jonathan burns a Mark Wagner 'Lucky Dollar' donated by the artist at CoB at The Cockpit 2018. Photo by Jonathan Greet
Naked Grace Missionaries at CoB 2018
Fayann Smith and Isabella Steinsdotter from The Naked Grace Missionaries perform at CoB at The Cockpit 2018. Photo by Jonathan Greet

Church of Burn at The Cockpit 2018 - Midnight Burn

On Saturday, November 3rd, 2018, Church of Burn welcomed John Crow as Guest Ritualist for a special Midnight Burn. John Crow, also known as John Constable, is the Urban Shaman celebrated for his transformative work at Crossbones Graveyard in Southwark. That night, he led our congregation in a powerful ritual to “Banish Phatty,” a figure consumed by the insatiable desire for money and material goods. The congregation participated with deep intention, making the ritual a truly collective magical working.

The evening also marked the debut of The Naked Grace Missionaries with Church of Burn. Their spiritual, gospel-infused indie-folk sound, coupled with a provocative performance that confronts the darker aspects of sexuality, resonated deeply with our Church's ethos and aesthetic. Rob, Fayann, and Bella have since become an essential part of Church of Burn, performing as the Naked Grace Missionaries and also producing, directing, and playing for the CoB Arkestra.

Adding to the event's richness, money art in the form of defaced currency was on display. Fresh from a successful exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, Rebel Not Taken (aka Bob Osbourne) showcased numerous provocative pieces from his collection. The night moved toward a fiery climax as Rev Jonathan burned a 'Lucky Dollar Bill' donated by perhaps the world’s most renowned living money artist, Mark Wagner. This immolation opened the ritual space, where around £660 was sacrificed.