Cash-strapped churches may hear death knell

Jo Cave

01 May 2008

SOARING fuel bills are causing sleepless nights for Warwickshire's clergy who are struggling to make ends meet.
Massive hikes in central heating costs are threatening the fabric of some of our oldest and most beautiful churches.
And as congregations continue to dwindle, finding funding is proving to be a feat of biblical proportions.
Rev Mervyn Roberts, spokesman for the diocese of Coventry and Warwickshire, warned the death knell may soon be sounded for many listed buildings if something is not done.
He said: "In the midst of life we are in death - those solemn words could relate in many ways to the situation facing the future for listed church buildings.
"Churches are often the most important heritage buildings in their communities and across Warwickshire we have a good number of buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but are alive to needs of the community among whom they are located.
"But there is the threat of death owing to the mounting cost of general maintenance and the economic pressures of rising electric and fuel costs.
"I still come across people who do not realise that the cost of running our churches falls squarely on the shoulders of the local congregations. The popular misconception that they are the responsibility of the government.
"We are reaching crisis point when in the heart of our beautiful county, many village church buildings are facing a very uncertain future."
One of the worst-hit churches is also the county's oldest. St Peter's in Wootten Wawen is facing financial hardship after heating and lighting costs sky-rocketed by a third in just one year.
Treasurer Tony Birtles revealed the £4,000 bill for 2007/08 meant that expenditure had exceeded income for the first time in his 12 years' experience.
Leader of the clergy Canon Lawrence Mortimer warned the 1100-year-old building could face ruin if they were forced to turn off the heating.
He said: "St Peter's could consider reducing the temperature of the electric heating system midweek, but the comfort of visitors to its permanent Saxon Sanctuary exhibition had to be considered and it would cost more to re-heat the church for weekend services.
"As the county's oldest church, it is also important the interior is not attacked by condensation which could occur if the building became too cold for long periods.
"Like the community at large, all churches are faced with the same dilemma over energy costs."

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