Churches ‘should host circus to raise cash’

STRUGGLING churches can be saved by opening cafes or hosting concerts and even circuses, a study has claimed.

With one in three churches suffering funding shortfalls, academics suggested that they need to re-engage with their communities.

The study looked at various churches to see how they made money, including one that became a rehearsal venue for a circus thanks to its high ceiling. Prof Helen Haugh, the lead author from the University of Cambridge, said: “Churches want to work with communities. I was surprised by how innovatively church buildings are being used. There are options for churches that struggle with financial sustainability, the least preferred of which is to close.”

Church of England data showed 940 churches shut between 1987 and 2019 – with 423 closing since 2010. The report, by the Cambridge Judge Business School and the Diocese of Ely, revealed three-in-four churches held community activities in 2019 – a 27 per cent rise since 2012. Dr Timur Alexandrov said: “These ranged from blood donation to debt counselling [and] concerts.”

Geoffrey Hunter, head of church buildings and pastoral at the Diocese of Ely, said: “The project has revealed a hunger for change, with many churches planning for their futures.”