Parishioners fear St Paul’s Church in Honiton can’t pay its bills.
Why didn’t the Parochial Church Council consult with parishioners before deciding to close St Michael’s Church to services during the winter?
Parishioner Rich Gannon posed the question, saying: “Surely, this consultation should have happened before?”
After hearing that a quinquennial inspection would cost �600, he suggested a hat be passed around at the end of the meeting - and pledged to make up the difference.
David Rosenthall, a former member of the defunct St Michael’s Church Management Committee, told Church of England representatives: “I am very concerned that you seem to be using St Michael’s to overcome financial problems at St Paul’s.
“How many churches in the UK don’t pay their way?
“St Paul’s can’t pay its bills, but why should we hive off St Michael’s? What right have we got? We have a responsibility to look after it and keep it as a church.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here