What do church closures mean for the future?

Not being one of a religious background (or likely, future) it wasn’t something that ever crossed my mind.

In the past few weeks, The Examiner has reported on several closures within the Uniting Church group.

The White Hills, Evandale, Hadspen and Launceston South congregations have decided to close their physical doors in order to find a new home, under the umbrella of the South Esk Cluster.

This week, I visited the St Andrew’s church at Deloraine, where the congregation has chosen to close, due to dwindling numbers. 

Those members will disperse, and find new congregations around the area.

As I said, I’m not a religious person – so why do I care?

While it means little to me spiritually, I do recognise the importance that they play in the fabric of society.

They are the main instigators and providers of charity throughout the community.

If it were not for churches, who would host the Christmas lunches for those who have no where else to go? Who would pound the pavement tirelessly, collecting donations to help the needy?

And equally importantly, they play a pivotal role in creating connections among outer lying communities.

More often that not, the doors of a country church do not just open on a Sunday morning – they open for craft classes, for choir practice, for crib tournaments, and more.

They are a resource for those in the community who may not have anyone else to interact with, whose family or friends have moved away or passed on.

It appears that traditional, community churches are another part of our society that are fading away with each generation.

Is may be hypocritical to write this, when I won’t be the one to join the ranks and drive recruitment. But I still lament the closing of church doors.