COST-CUTTING could force the closure of a Stewartry church.The Roman Catholic Church of The Resurrection in Riverbank, Gatehouse is one of three buildings at risk according to a document sent out to parishes across the Galloway Diocese.
The report, entitled “Embracing Change”, states that the “present number of properties cannot be sustained” and points to a decreasing number of active clergy, falling number of parishioners and a drop in income.
It reads: “There must be changes: changes in mindset, expectations and in structures. The dialogue process will therefore seek to identify church buildings that will unfortunately have to close. This is a matter of deep regret but it has to be recognised that with a decreasing number of active clergy, the falling number of parishioners and the financial realities of the present economic climate, the present number of properties cannot be sustained.”
The Gatehouse church, a chapel of ease, currently hosts a Vigil Mass on a Saturday but this would no longer continue under the proposals.
Gatehouse Community Council chairman David Cameron said that any closure would be “sad” for the community.
He said: “This is very disappointing and it is always sad to hear of any church closing. I imagine the members of the Catholic church in Gatehouse would be very disappointed if this was to happen. Of course, nothing has been decided yet but to hear that the building has been looked at as one which could be closed is unfortunate.”
As part of the proposals for St Andrew’s Deanery, which covers Dumfries and Galloway in the Galloway Diocese, the number of masses provided across the region would be reduced.
Parish priest Father William McFadden, of the RC Church of St Andrew and St Cuthbert, called for calm yesterday and insisted that “no decision has been made”.
Father McFadden said: “It must be made clear that this document is purely based on a consultation that has been ongoing for a number of years. Some parishes and chapels of ease are mentioned but at present they are not under threat. I understand why people might be concerned to hear this but no decision has been made. Of course sometimes difficult decisions must be made but the whole point of this consultation is to cover all avenues so that we can prepare any future action in the proper manner.”
Reverend Stephen Latham, of the Diocese of Galloway, said: “The emphasis of this consultation is not on closing parishes but at some point in the future this is something that we may have to face. A small number of parishes may need to close but it must be stressed that no decision has been made and that this is only part of ongoing consultation and discussions.”