Answer to lonely hearts' prayers

Men looking for love have a chance in the church

Men might stand a better chance of finding romance if they went to church instead of a dating agency, according to a new report.

In the average church congregation, women outnumber men by more than two to one.

The report in Christianity magazine says that churchgoing women are being forced to stay single because they cannot find partners who match their high moral standards.

They are destined to remain unlucky in love as they get older, because by the age of 40 there are as many as four women to every man in church.

Women outnumber men by 2 to 1 in church

The ratio is six to one by the age of 50.

The article, called "Looking For Mr Right", also suggests Christian women who do manage to meet a man in church are often left disappointed.

A woman called Laura is quoted as complaining about the lack of eligible men.

"I've seen a lot of women go out with men they wouldn't give a second glance to normally - simply out of desperation."

I've seen a lot of women go out with men they wouldn't give a second glance to normally - simply out of desperation

Laura

A 39-year-old prison missionary called Jennifer says she is being frustrated by a reluctance by Christian men to tie themselves to just one partner.

"They have the choice of a lot of women and so they flirt, and then move on.

"They have no reason to commit themselves to a relationship when they can have fun doing the rounds.

"It's difficult as you get older to find normal, heterosexual men in the church. Over the last four years I've known four Christian women whose husbands have left them for another man."

The report suggests that even if women are dissatisfied, some still shy away from using dating agencies because they feel there is a stigma attached.

Matches made in heaven

Nevertheless, the magazine talked to agencies which are trying to help women - Christian or otherwise - find partners.

Ian Gregory has set up an introduction agency called "Choices" for churchgoers in and around London.

According to him, Sunday services are not necessarily the best places to make a romantic match.

"In church, everyone is watching you. It's like being in a goldfish bowl.

"Creating the right environment for one-to-one meetings is very important," he told the magazine.

A director of the secular agency "Sirius" is also quoted.

There is no normal way to meet people any more

Kate Corbitt
Sirius dating agency

Kate Corbitt says: "The fact is that working life has changed. People are working longer hours, and moving all over the country with their jobs.

" There is no normal way to meet people any more.

"We are going to have to be more open to using dating agencies, and I believe it will become as commonplace as using the gym."