From time to time, questions are asked concerning the future of church buildings. The Anglican Diocese of Portsmouth, for instance. recently set up a commission to enquire into such matters as the future numbers of the clergy, likely available finance and the numbers, whereabouts and usage of church buildings. In Portsmouth, the Methodists are currently discussing the future of Trinity Methodist Church in Albert Road which is a listed building.
There are a number of issues which are giving rise to these debates. Generally speaking, in recent times. there has been a decline in church going in Britain and the age profile of many congregations is high, with some churches having few or no young members. The cost of maintaining church buildings continues to rise. These problems are being felt most keenly in rural and inner urban areas.
In the main, it falls to the local congregation to raise the funds. In the Church of England, the central funds of the Church Commissioners are taken up with providing pensions for the retired clergy, supporting to some extent the Cathedrals and financing the central organisation of the Church. Many local congregations have to struggle to survive.
Another factor which is affecting church buildings is the decline in the sense of local community. The 'parish' concept was based on the idea of a static community. Today, people are involved in all different sorts of communities and it is sometimes said that for many people nowadays the 'work' community - where a person goes to work and often at some distance from home - is stronger than the 'local' community.
It is easier for listed buildings and historic buildings to attract grants from other organisations such as English Heritage. However, there is not a bottomless pit, and the problems seem to be growing. Some argue that these sorts of buildings, including the great Cathedrals are part of our English Culture and as such they should receive government funding. Even if this proved to be possible, not all church-goers would agree They would argue that this would give the State too much control over church affairs.
Some solutions which have been successfully tried have involved a partial or even complete change of use of buildings. St. Cuthberts, in Copnor, for instance is to rehouse a local doctors' centre and to provide community use as well as retaining a worship area. Drop-in centres, information centres, arts centres and restaurants have already figured in some imaginative schemes throughout the country. Clearly, each situation needs to be taken 'on its merits', and flexibility needs to be paramount in considerations. It is impossible to have a single 'fit-all' solution.
Terry Carter