Please Sign Our Petition

Murray 17 · Jul 2, 2014

St Leonard's Church in New Church Road, Hove, is in serious danger of closing. Now I know churches and religion in general is not everyone's cup of tea, and many of you will not want to sign the petition because of this. I respect that. However, we are also looking at ways of using the building for the community, but this will not happen if it is closed.

From a personal point of view, I was christened and confirmed there, attended as a cub, scout and sea cadet, was married there and had our daughter christened there. I also attend regularly.

If you could spare a few moments to sign the petition, and even better add any comments, I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitio...utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition

As I've not done a link before, I'm not sure if this will work. If it doesn't, go to www.change.org and search for 'saving st leonard's'. Please remember the apostrophe!

glasfryn · Jul 2, 2014

I worked on this church many years ago
signed and good luck

Gazwag · Jul 2, 2014

I assume its closing down due to lack of funds thus putting an big strain on the diocese's finances, if this is the case then surely a big fund raising effort should start or the parishioners need to put their hands in their pockets to keep it going rather than an online petition.

Murray 17 · Jul 2, 2014

Gazwag said:
I assume its closing down due to lack of funds thus putting an big strain on the diocese's finances, if this is the case then surely a big fund raising effort should start or the parishioners need to put their hands in their pockets to keep it going rather than an online petition.

The online petition is only one part of a multi-faceted campaign. Yes finances do come into it, which is why we are looking into ways of using the church in the community as well to make it financially viable.

James Bond's body double · Jul 2, 2014

I got married there and had my 2 boys christened there also, be a great shame.

Signed.

GreersElbow · Jul 2, 2014

Will sign, horrible to think that a staple in communities are under threat.

symyjym · Jul 2, 2014

Sidcup Seagull said:
The online petition is only one part of a multi-faceted campaign. Yes finances do come into it, which is why we are looking into ways of using the church in the community as well to make it financially viable.

I am not religious, but I do see churches as community venues for local events from jumble sales, exhibitions, popup markets for arts and crafts, group meetings and live musical performances. They just have to reach outside the religious context and they would be valued more. Maybe they should work closer together to market and expand their purpose.

Mowgli37 · Jul 2, 2014

Signed, just 18 more to go, the very best of luck to you

Triggaaar · Jul 2, 2014

Sidcup Seagull said:
Yes finances do come into it, which is why we are looking into ways of using the church in the community as well to make it financially viable.

This must be a worry for nearly all churches across the land, I'm surprised those involved didn't look at ways to make it financially viable many years ago. Any idea what the ongoing maintenance costs are for your church, and how the money might be raised?

Does the central Church of England not care if churches close?

TomandJerry · Jul 2, 2014

Signed

carlzeiss · Jul 2, 2014

Signed

Murray 17 · Jul 2, 2014

Triggaaar said:
This must be a worry for nearly all churches across the land, I'm surprised those involved didn't look at ways to make it financially viable many years ago. Any idea what the ongoing maintenance costs are for your church, and how the money might be raised?

Does the central Church of England not care if churches close?

The ongoing maintenance figure is debatable, simply because virtually all buildings over a certain age need some kind of work doing on them. There was a church on this site in Saxon times, and it gets a mention in the Domesday Book. The old church was rebuilt in 1880 (the part you can see from New Church Road), and the new church was built in 1930.

We are hoping to get it used more in the community so that any rental or other income could fund the upkeep. I think the C of E does care about keeping churches open, but wants to see that communities are doing what they can as well - hence the petition and work that we are doing towards using it more in the community.

Triggaaar · Jul 2, 2014

Sidcup Seagull said:
virtually all buildings over a certain age need some kind of work doing on them.

They sure do.

I think the C of E does care about keeping churches open, but wants to see that communities are doing what they can as well

Makes sense.

turienzo's lovechild · Jul 2, 2014

my (c of e) church originally closed for about 5 years mainly because it's a massive building with huge operating costs and had a congregation of about 20 people meaning there was hardly anything coming in. Since re-opening 4 and a half years ago it's become a church that is attended by around 1000 people a week, is used every day of the week for a variety of community projects (the main one being homelessness...one example being it runs the only night shelter project in Brighton every winter) and this November will open it's second satellite church in Hastings. So it can be done with the right leadership and the drive to be more than a place where people go for a couple of hours on a sunday.

Petition has been signed

GreersElbow · Jul 2, 2014

Triggaaar said:
This must be a worry for nearly all churches across the land, I'm surprised those involved didn't look at ways to make it financially viable many years ago. Any idea what the ongoing maintenance costs are for your church, and how the money might be raised?

Does the central Church of England not care if churches close?

I'm sure the CoE does care, however, it's a case of managing the budget. If the congregation is too small then possibly, it's not financially viable. According to CoE annual reports though, attendances have grown but this only puts greater emphasis on increased budgets.

Here in Lincoln, the Cathedral (Politics people will know of its great historical and constitutional importance to this country) has to raise £1.2 million alone each year. It's a mammoth task.

Triggaaar · Jul 2, 2014

GreersElbow said:
Here in Lincoln, the Cathedral (Politics people will know of its great historical and constitutional importance to this country) has to raise £1.2 million alone each year.

£1.2million! Holy schmoly.

symyjym · Jul 2, 2014

Triggaaar said:
£1.2million! Holy schmoly.

I guess they have to pray harder :shrug:

SweatyMexican · Jul 2, 2014

Done, and good luck

Mattywerewolf · Jul 2, 2014

done...

The Modfather · Jul 2, 2014

Duly signed

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