From the Revd Christopher Jervis
Sir, - Do churches wish to increase their revenues, reduce their
costs, and promote mission? Now I've gained your attention, read
on.
I recently visited a church that had a wooden chest dating back
to Roman times locked in its tower. The same church owned some
17th-century silver that is stored in a bank vault. Security and
insurance costs are an unnecessary expense to house treasures that
will never be beneficially displayed by the church; so why keep
them?
One might reply that we have a duty topreserve the archives in
our care. I do not disagree with that sentiment, but is there a
better way?
It is likely that many churches house similar artefacts at great
cost butwith little benefit to the wider community. Undoubtedly,
some churches will be able to display such articles safely, to the
delight of visitors; but many will not.
I recommend that each diocese establish a "museum" to display
smartly all such artefacts from its churches, making it clear that
these objects link us to many Christians throughout the centuries,
right up to the present day, when the churches from which these
artefacts are "borrowed" are living, worshipping communities of
faith.
Displays would also make it clear that the greatest treasure we
have is the great news of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. The
display, accompanied by a clear map of the diocese, might encourage
museum visitors to visit the churches, too.
If the museums charged a reasonable tariff, then, once overheads
had been met, profits could be disbursed to the contributing
churches.
I commend this idea to diocesan archivists.
CHRISTOPHER JERVIS
8 Fairways, Plat Douet Road
St Clements, Jersey JE2 6 PN