Churches under threat

Our parish church is the only community space left in our parish. We don't have a pub or a post office so we have been looking at ways of utilising the building in innovative ways, exhibitions etc. Sir Roy Strong, too, is arguing that we need to adapt our churches for a wider range of uses. The Telegraph published an article. His comments are thought provoking! Statistics suggest we could lose one fifth of our churches in one generation. The Telegraph outlines the issues as follows:

"The threat is clear:

• Two churches are being closed down every week

• At least £1 billion is needed to repair all listed places of worship over the next five years

• Yet the Government spends just £25 million a year on repairs – far less than the £200 million needed

• Churches claim that local authorities discriminate against church-based community projects, reducing income still further

• Planned EU changes to VAT rules for repairs could see churches having to find another £10 million every year."

This is a cause for concern as they provide such heritage and also the space for a community to meet, provide mutual support and share their lives.