Article

2008-07-20 Britain

Medieval churches facing closure due to lack of funds, interest

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Posted by lotp 2008-07-20 07:11|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 Perhaps the tourism ministry can take them over, complete with actors dressed up as priests of the Church of England. Odds are more of the actors will believe in God than the real priests, anyway.

Posted by trailing wife ">trailing wife 2008-07-20 09:36|| 2008-07-20 09:36|| Front Page Top

#2 Germany has the same problem with some of its 1500 castles. The solution is to privatize castles or churches in exchange for maintenance and restoration.

Importantly, while Medieval buildings are of great historical value and are often beautiful, they are not comfortable, in fact are downright uncomfortable, the reason clergy wore thick and layered robes. More modern buildings make far better churches for active congregations.

At the same time, private owners who restore such churches do far more than maintain. They go over every brick, and even excavate, to make it better, because they care about quality and historical accuracy, not utility.

The privatized castles of Germany are always in better condition than historical churches restored for use, that are very cold inside even on warm summer days, and look like they might fall down at any moment.

Posted by Anonymoose 2008-07-20 09:43|| 2008-07-20 09:43|| Front Page Top

#3 This, teh closure of medieval churches would never, ever happen in the USA. :-)

Posted by JFM">JFM 2008-07-20 10:26|| 2008-07-20 10:26|| Front Page Top

#4 JFM, you forgot the /s

Don't worry. Some rich preservationist will bring one over someday.

Posted by tipover 2008-07-20 10:54|| 2008-07-20 10:54|| Front Page Top

#5 The Church of England is rotten throughout - a terrible case of leftoid wood worm. The churches themselves are in a good state. A good treatment of moral fungicide and insecticide is needed.

Posted by Bulldog 2008-07-20 12:48|| 2008-07-20 12:48|| Front Page Top

#6 JFM, we don't have any medieval churches in the USA. It doesn't mean we're holier than thou, just not as old.

But some of us are concerned about declining moral values not only in Europe but in this country as well...taking it as an indication that our civilization is also in decline and fearing what will fill the vacuum...fearing that our children will go to hell. There is no guarantee that our civilization will survive...there never was...especially if we forget about God. A hundred years from now we could be forgotten.

If the Brits have lost faith in the Anglican church maybe they could try the Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc. It should be like so many radio stations where people can go up and down the dial. When they hear the Word they'll stop and listen.

Posted by Abu Uluque6305 2008-07-20 15:37|| 2008-07-20 15:37|| Front Page Top

#7 It's just a building. Dust to dust. Christian principles live on.

Posted by Percy Spumble4268 2008-07-20 17:25|| 2008-07-20 17:25|| Front Page Top

#8 Abu Uluque6305 Ima purdy sure that JFM meant that with a glint in his eye.

Posted by .5MT 2008-07-20 18:01|| www.cybernations.net]">[www.cybernations.net] 2008-07-20 18:01|| Front Page Top

#9 An eccentric high school teacher built himself a castle in the next suburb over from mine, after returning from serving in France during one of the world wars. He formed each block from cement in milk cartons, lightening them by putting a light bulb in the center. It's on the river and absolutely charming. A foundation cares for the castle and garden now.

Posted by trailing wife ">trailing wife 2008-07-20 18:15|| 2008-07-20 18:15|| Front Page Top

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