THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK.
My guess is that I am the perfect example of poacher turned gamekeeper.
Let me explain. Before I retired from stipendiary ministry, almost twenty years ago, I was the vicar of a parish in Lichfield itself. But on behalf of the Diocese of Lichfield (which covered a very large area from Leek in the north, to the Black Country in the South, to Tamworth in the east and to Shrewsbury in the West) I carried out other functions across the whole Diocese. One of these was as Secretary of the Redundant Churches Uses Committee – and what that mouthful meant is that I was a poacher - responsible for helping to get churches declared redundant and finding (if possible) new uses for them.
What I suppose I did not have in mind very clearly in that role was how much people had invested emotionally in their parish churches. Just imagine how people will have felt when their church building was closed.
“But I was baptised there.” “But I was married there.” “But my parents’ funerals were held there.” It matters, of course, that you were a regular worshipper, but it matters very much more if family events (which are associated with all kinds of personal memories and emotions) are linked with a particular building
Since I retired my wife and I have become (the gamekeeper part of me) supporters of the Church Conversation Trust and we have spent many happy hours visiting their churches all over England. I hope you do too – of if you don’t, that you will.
But it’s not just bricks and mortar and historical significance. It’s people – whose family history and emotions are tied up with these great places. Yes, admire the bricks and mortar, wallow in the history – but do not forget the people. Sure, they may have taken things for granted at the time but when they do lose their church, it is extremely, extremely, painful.
Largely based on a sermon to be preached at St Bartholomew’s Church, Richard’s Castle, in June 2026. St Bartholomew’s was declared redundant in 1982 and vested in the Churches Conservation Trust in 2001.
© Ian Williams 2026.
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