10/01/2019
I felt more optimistic and happy at the end of 2018 than at the start of 2019 l have to say.
On 8th January I received an email from the diocese informing that the church is to remain closed. I have copied the relevant parts. I have also copied my response.
I feel let down and saddened that despite finding solutions to every obstacle put to me, they continue to find new ones and obviously have their own plans for the future which don't involve us.
I am sorry I have failed to achieve a satisfactory conclusion and hope there are others who may have new ideas on how to move forward.
from the diocese
"As you know there is no money to deal with the currently know issues with the electrics let alone what might be discovered, so having discussed the issues the church needs to remain closed for the moment "
" It is a great pity that historical issues have led us to this point but with limited funds, no congregation and the H&S safety issues that have been raised, the senior staff have decided there is no option at the moment but to just pause and discern how we move forward."
My response
I am hugely disappointed with the attitude of the church of England and our local diocese in regards to this matter. I have done everything they have asked, found answers to problems and reconnected with the churches community. People are disillusioned with the church and what it stands for. This was an opportunity to turn that around and show us the church is wanting to reconnect but in a different way. I am sure we could sort the hall and fundraise for the insurance and the electrics but the diocese are not allowing us to even try.I am beginning to believe the more cynical amongst us who believe it is a done deal and money is all that matters. I have been careful to keep personalities out of the fight but sadly the response from the diocese has just deepened my belief that many of those who profess to be caring and wanting to embrace the flock are in fact led by money and not the true nature of Christianity. My own experience and reports of how others have been treated has only expanded this. Lies were told and facts hidden and that is hard to fight. For nearly two years no one has bothered with our community. No proper services were offered to those who may have wished to participate. Many feel totally isolated. Yes there are other churches near but many if those in need of somewhere are unable to get there with no local bus services.
There are huge problems with our young as there is nowhere for them to go and empty halls standing idle is terrible. We were happy to fundraise to raise the insurance but were told no. We could raise funds to do the hall and possibly the electrics but everytime we find solutions or get offers of support a new problem is found making me feel that the diocese have known all along what the outcome was going to be and that disappoints me. I do not feel my time has been wasted as I have met many wonderful people and have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of so many people, people who demonstrate christian values and dont just preach it . They offer their services and support quietly and unassumingly in the true spirit of christianity.The church of St Michaels does exsist and does have a congregation but they have never had the chance to grow due to mistakes and poor leadership. I have been defensive of those in power to the radio and paper believing we could work together to rebuild our church to benefit our community unlike many others. I have asked people to be patient and let us ork with the diocese but maybe I was wrong. I am relieved the church roof is to be repaired but while watertight other parts will deteriorate and soon it will be another forgotten gem.
We will continue to look for ways to help our community but sadly without the church's support
I will always be willing to work with the diocese if by a miracle they find a solution but as that is unlikely unless we can match any amounts offered by contractors to squeeze more houses into the area, I will look on sadly as the buildings decay.
Thank you to all those who have supported us. Thank you to the businesses who have offered help and support. I will continue to update if we find other ways to move forward.
Karen
