Churchgoing on the rise as credit crunch bites

3:28pm Monday 5th January 2009

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PEOPLE in Bridgwater are turning to God to get them out of the grip of the economic gloom.

Vicars in the town have reported a marked increase in the amount of churchgoing as the credit crunch has led to widespread job losses and scores of people facing homelessness.

Rev Charles Chadwick of St Mary's Church told the Mercury he has seen a steady swell in attendance throughout the year.

He said: “We had more than 150 people at our carol service in December, 173 people at our Light up a Life service - up on last year's 157 - and 224 at the Christingle which again was more than the year before.

“There are a range of reasons why this has happened but it's fair to say in these uncertain times people often question previously held values and are more open to the message the Church seeks to proclaim.”

Rev Chadwick said he was encouraged and delighted by the upturn - a sentiment echoed by Rev Chris Keys of Westonzoyland Church.

He said: “I think this increased spiritual influence we are now seeing has been going on for some time but it doesn't mean attendance figures are up for standard services.

“There are other ways of meeting and we have introduced new types of services which have proved very popular and we saw a 25% increase on our Back to Church Sunday event in September.

“These kind of figures are pleasing - we are very hopeful and we have a message from God to deliver.”

The rise in popularity of Bridgwater's churches is reflected in the Anglican Diocese of Bath and Wells with weekly attendance figures going up by more than 10%.

Church figures also show more worshippers are digging deep in their pockets to support their churches with average donations soaring from £7.28 a week in 2005 to £7.80 in 2006, the latest year for which figures are available.

Bishop of Taunton Rt Revd Peter Maurice said: “Clergy morale is good and I hope these statistics will encourage our priests and people who are already doing a very good job.”