Pastoral letters from bishops announcing church closures usually try to hit an upbeat note. Two current shake-ups, in Wrexham and Salford, exemplify this. Bishop Peter Brignall of Wrexham described his reorganisation plan, “Into the Future”, as a “huge opportunity for renewal”, while Bishop John Arnold of Salford entitled his letter announcing closures “Strengthening Our Presence As Church: A Journey in Hope” and described the plans as “pruning for growth”.
Of course such optimistic language is intended to reassure people, but well-meant euphemisms can also provoke cynicism. It’s difficult not to question whether the closure of dozens of churches can ever really strengthen the Church. Of course, there are times when the closure of a church is inevitable and necessary and its sale might benefit a cash-strapped diocese.
