6:50pm Friday 3rd July 2009
LEADERS of Kendal’s main CofE church have revealed its ‘critical’ financial problems, declaring: The time of reckoning has now come.
Holy Trinity Parish Church, Kirkland, is urging worshippers to dig deep and at most treble the amount they donate or ‘parish life cannot be sustained’.
The Rev Eric Robinson spelled out his fears during a recent sermon, saying if they could not balance the books, the future of the Grade One-listed building and the spiritual care of a large proportion of Kendal would be jeopardised.
He told the congregation: “The time of reckoning has now come. We can no longer operate in this way. We have to pay our way.”
The annual running costs are around £200,000 and, at present, the 200-strong congregation contribute roughly £40,000.
Added to other forms of income, the church raised £172,000 last year, leaving the reserves to meet the £28,000 shortfall. It was the 11th successive year these balances have be used for an annual deficit.
During this time reserves have more than halved to £400,000, thanks also to essential repairs, increasing fuel bills and interest rate cuts. Church leaders said they could not keep relying on these funds.
They have launched a stewardship campaign to double, if not treble, its income from donations. Parishioners are asked to look at the money they spend on non-essentials, such as books and CDs, and consider setting up standing orders.
It is also hoped more people will join the congregation to help.
Mr Robinson said many people were unaware that parish churches no longer received financial support from the central Church of England.
He said: “It is one of the biggest parish churches in England.
“Any job we do is very expensive. It cost us about £300,000 to redo one third of the roof.
“It is an extremely important church.
“Even those who don’t attend every week want it to be there for births, weddings and funerals.”
Mr Robinson said he had faith the congregation and wider community would respond, adding: “We are now at a critical point were unless we balance our income and expenditure we will not be able to sustain our parish life in the long term.”
The Right Rev James Newcome, the Bishop of Carlisle, said churches across the country were facing similar problems, especially amid the recession.
He said: “We really do rely on generous giving from people who go to church.
“Some churches manage better than others, which perhaps have bigger buildings or larger parishes to serve.
“However, stewardship is not just about balancing books. It is about asking people to consider what the church does for them and about what it means to be a Christian.”
The building dates back to the early 13th century, although there is evidence of an earlier church existing on the site in 850AD.
It boasts one of the widest naves in the country.
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