HC Deb 09 June 1986 vol 99 cc12-3
19. Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the hon. Member for Wokingham, as representing the Church Commissioners, how many redundant churches there are within the diocese of Souhwark.

Sir William van Straubenzee (The Second Church Estates Commissioner, Representing Church Commissioners)

There are currently five redundant churches in the diocess of Southwark where the future of the church still has to be settled.

Mr. Bruinvels

Although I am pleased that there are only five redundant churches in the diocese of Southwark, may I ask whether my hon. Friend read an article in the Church Timesof 9 May, which said that the incumbent of St. Swithin's church, Lewisham, the Rev. Barry Naylor, celebrated a holy communion service with the Rev. Kate Merriman? That is contrary to canon law and, in my submission, also contrary to the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure. Does my hon. Friend agree that should more——

Mr. Speaker

Order. Did that take place in a redundant church?

Mr. Bruinvels

Does my hon. Friend agree that if more such cases occur, many more churches may become redundant, and that the Church of England will be placed very much in jeopardy if more women are ordained?

Sir William van Straubenzee

I must make it clear that the Church Commissioners have no responsibility whatever for what takes place ecclesiastically in the diocese of Southwark or in any other diocese.

Mr. Simon Hughes

When it seems that churches may become redundant in any diocese, will the Church Commissioners contemplate allowing them to be used by other Christian denominations before they consider their use for totally secular purposes? Often, a multi-denominational use would allow a church building to retain its Christian purpose while not necessarily incurring a sole liability on the part of the Church of England.

Sir William van Straubenzee

Yes, Sir. I have often said in the House that using a church for another Christian purpose is the most favoured use of all. The hon. Gentleman may be glad to know that of the 38 churches in the diocese of Southwark to he declared redundant since 1 April 1969, 12 are now being used for worship by other Christian communities, one forms part of a new Church of England place of worship, and one is being used as a private chapel. In other words, almost half of them are being used for Christian purposes.