From the Revd Dr Patrick Richmond
Sir, - Thank you for your coverage of the General Synod's debate
about the Churches Conservation Trust (General Synod, 18
July). While I did encourage realistic assessment of the
challenges posed by our buildings, given ageing congregations,
especially in depopulated rural areas, I did not say that
redundancy was inevitable.
In the debate, and in Questions earlier, I advertised the
diocese of Norwich's innovative plans for Diocesan Trust Churches.
Crucially, though normal activities will be reduced, these churches
will not be formally closed, nor redundant. More details are on the
churchcare.co.uk website
(www.churchcare.co.uk/churches/open-sustainable/friends-and-trusts/diocesan-trust-churches).
PATRICK RICHMOND
161 Newmarket Road
Norwich NR4 6SY