Over time on this blog, you’ll probably realise that I’m a bit baffled by many things. It’s fair to say that religion is one of these.
So it’s with no surprise that I read in the Birmingham Mail comments from a religious man which have no relevance to the real world.
The story regards talks by the Diocese of Lichfield on plans by the Church of England to standardise fees for services across the country. At present the initial service fees are standard, but at a regional level, churches are able to add extra fees for things like bell ringers, flowers and heating etc.
The quote from the Archdeacon of Salop, the Venerable John Hall said:
“I question the sanity of wanting to take over from parishes something which they have dealt with adequately for centuries.”
I’m sorry Mr Hall, but that isn’t washing with me. Churches have been found out. There’s no problem with extras being charged where applicable and yes, if you need to hire the choir then there is a cost associated. But the Birmingham Mail report talks of heating being an extra.
HEATING?!?!? When I go to Morrisons I don’t get charged £20 for my shopping and then have a fee added for heating. Why should churches be any different?
The Diocese of Lichfield, like so many other religious institutions, need to get with the real world if they’re going to prosper in increasingly sceptical times. And at a time when finances are stretched, surely the churches have a duty to their congregation to be up front about costs?
