Parish Churches Could Host Multi-Faith Worship in Battle to Stay Open [UK]

Christian Today ^ | 12/20/17 | Harry Farley

[marshmallow]

Parish churches must be available for new and different purposes, including the possibility of multi-faith worship, if they are to stay open, a review is insisting today.

Listed Church of England buildings should transition from being just places of worships to 'social hubs' and a 'community resource' in order to survive, the report published by the Department of Culture Media and Sport is recommending.

With more than 12,000 CofE churches listed and attendance figures continuing to fall, locals groups are facing a battle to keep parish buildings, described as the 'jewel in the crown of our built heritage', open.

The report suggests the buildings be adopted by the whole community rather than just the dwindling congregations who attend them.

Bernard Taylor, who chaired the review panel including figures from the CofE and heritage bodies, told Christian Today parishes could look at the option of allowing multi-faith worship as he warned church buildings were not being used effectively.

'Despite the hard work of many groups and volunteers around the country, they face complex problems of maintenance and repair, and are not always well used and supported,' he said.

'Increased use and helping communities in their broadest form to see the value and potential of the local church is the key to the church building becoming more self-sustaining and ultimately ensuring its long term survival,' he added.

Asked whether churches could look at hosting other religious services to help keep the buildings open, Taylor told Christian Today it was up to the local congregation.

'Each case is different,' he said. 'I think that there are examples where multi-faith worship takes place. I think it is probably more difficult for some congregations.

[stars & stripes forever]

[With more than 12,000 CofE churches listed and attendance figures continuing to fall, locals groups are facing a battle to keep parish buildings]

Time for PACK THE PEW Sunday.

[jobim]

Hurry! Get those pews out of here!
The prayer rugs are being brought in
for the 11 o'clock service! And that
tabernacle must be screened off with
the Mohammed poster!