Hi Lynn,
I've only just come upon this thread.
Interesting views all round.
In response to the initial suggestions regarding making churches available to the community, I know of a church not far from me which was bought by two families of the congregation (one which lives in the village, and one head of the family works as a doctor in the village). The building is an old Roman Catholic church, about the size of a chapel. The two families didn't want the church to be changed into yet another warehouse, of something similar, so have spent money on converting it for the whole of the community to make use of - not only churches in the area. They broadcasted this on the local radio, etc, asking people to come forwarded with ideas of how the building can be used - no charges for rent for a certain period. (Nothing stipulated, or mentioned, about church involvement).
However, no groups/individuals have come forward, to my knowledge, and so a church committee has been set up to start things rolling - which hopefully will make the buidling useful to the community, and show that the church/churches wants to be more available and serve people in the community.
I do wonder if one of the problems is that life is just more complicated now - you can longer just have an idea and start something off, without a business plan or health and safety plans in place, etc for food provision. I myself have can think of ideas, but wouldn't have a clue about drawing up a business plan, etc.
Sadly, without more attending church, funds to keep them open dwindles. There may be some hypocrites in churches, but if those who hate this behaviour stay away, that will never change things - who wins?!!
I've signed the petition, but I don't think it is the only answer, sadly.
Kind regards,
Paulene
