God help this country

When the result of the Brexit referendum was announced just a few weeks ago, Paddy Ashdown, the former Lib. Dem leader and Somerset MP, was quoted as saying “God help this country”. He was clearly disappointed at the vote not going his way for a cause he cares so passionately about. He and I had debated this in public along with several others and his sincere belief in that our future lay in maintaining European membership was evident to all.

The reason I mention this now is that for many of us, especially in times of trouble, there is the tendency to turn to God, whatever our beliefs, or lack of them. It is interesting that when all else fails we make our pleas to a higher being, something or someone considered to be all powerful that can solve our problems. 

As a recent convert to Christianity I find the whole concept of belief and worship an interesting one, both on an emotional and a practical level.

Whilst church attendance continues to be in decline, borne out by the low numbers at most services, the clergy are forever seeking new ways to engage with the community, particularly its younger members, by offering a range of activities to actively encourage inclusion. Many preachers, instead of lecturing their audience from the pulpit now make an effort to really engage with the congregation, often using classic training techniques and props to help make their point.  

Despite this decline in regular worship, where at the majority of services the congregation is largely made up of women over retirement age, it is interesting that when faced with key events in our lives, birth, marriage, death, many people still choose to mark the occasion with a church service.

No wonder our local vicars are tearing their hair out; Aside from key liturgical events such as Christmas or Easter most of us never darken the doors of our local church. On the other hand, we always expect it to be there, ready and waiting, for when we choose to use it.

This raises the issue of the cost of maintaining these buildings that remain empty and unused for much of the time. The fact that certainly nour small towns and villages these are largely premises that are hundreds of years old and therefore listed adds to the burden. The fact is we cannot have it both ways.

The church itself has made some attempt to diversify, looking at ways to make better use of the space by opening their doors to welcome the public at large and to generate income by holding coffee mornings, fund raising events, concerts and village fetes. 

One often forgotten consideration, and one not to be overlooked for those seeking planning permission, particularly in smaller remote locations, is that the presence of a church or place of worship is considered an amenity, and in this context it is especially useful when trying to persuade the decision makers to grant approval.

If we choose not to support our local churches we will continue to lose them, driving yet another nail into the coffin of the sustainability of our village communities.