‘One in ten church buildings under threat’
By Nigel Bunyan, Telegraph
Congregations across the nation must grasp “the big nettle” of selling off places of worship that have become a crippling financial burden, according to a leading bishop who said one in ten church buildings in his diocese may have to be sold.
The Rt Rev Nigel McCullough, Bishop of Manchester, said that in his diocese alone nearly 10 per cent of buildings owned by the church had become a liability.
He acknowledged that “a worshipping presence, effectively led, can encourage and authenticate the Church of England’s mission and ministry in each place.”
But he claimed that aim was being endangered “by two many unsuitable buildings.”
Writing in the diocesan magazine, Crux, he went on: “That is the big nettle to grasp now.
“Nearly 10 per cent of church buildings are a crippling and unnecessary drain on congregations.
“A goal of our diocesan vision is to increase giving – and included in that aim is `giving up things treasured that are blocking the gospel!’
“That surely has to include church buildings in this diocese that are no longer fit for church or community use.
“These are tough and tearful decisions to face, but face them we must”.
In recent years the Church of England hierarchy has become acutely aware of the financial burden imposed by its stock of decaying buildings.
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