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2.5.4.4 - D4 -
Support from non-parishioners
As noted in paragraph 2.5.1.13 this question was partly designed
as a vent for general feeling. It succeeded remarkably well. The res-
ponses varied widely, ranging all the way from neutral acceptance,
"They have to be catered for" to near-hostile opposition, "I feel
strongly about those who do not support the church but expect it to
be available for the services you mention, which I consider are in
many cases hardly more than tribal rites" .
Such a wide range is difficult to summarise but a few individual
responses are perhaps worth quoting: "We are fortunate in having
several covenanted gifts from weekenders" (a comment which would
suggest that the 'tourist trade' is not as transient as had been
supposed); "People 'who are otherwise quite intelligent are pathetically
ignorant of the structure of the Church of England. Many still believe
that the government pays for it!!". This last is a point which was
also alluded to by one or two interviewees. Whether or not it is true
that non-anglicans associate the government and the Church would need
to be tested by further research, but we can note here that there is a
significant body of opinion within the Church that believes such an
association is made.
And one which perhaps came nearest to summarising them all:
"We no doubt receive some support from ex-parishioners or
non-regular attenders who live in the parish, but it is
hard to quantify. With regard to those who use the church
as a convenience I feel we should ensure the fees cover
any expenses incurred on their behalf" .
2.6
Financial Aspects of Church Buildings
2.6.1
Renewal and/or reconstruction
There are 156 consecrated churches in the Diocese of which 55 are
listed (and therefore to a degree protected) under the Town and Country
