For sale signs spark holy debate

Father Tim Williams said the signs had made an impact.

A priest has tried to start a debate on the future of two churches by erecting for sale signs outside the buildings - although they are not on the market.

Father Tim Williams said the move had upset some of his congregation in the parish of Killay in Swansea.

But he said he wanted people to realise if they did not use them and contribute time, effort and money to their running and up-keep, they would be lost.

He said he wanted the whole community to become involved in the discussion.

The signs erected outside St Hilary's Church in Killay and St Martin's in Dunvant have now be taken down.

Father Williams said: "We arranged with the estate agent that they should be up for a week so that it would make the impact.

"It's got people talking which is what I wanted to do.

Some people who will not engage in dialogue and continue with the the view the church is a church and should only be used as church Father Tim Williams

"The main point was to say if we don't do something now these signs will be reality - not now or next year but in 10 or 15 years time.

"It has upset some people but as I explained in church on Sunday I did not want to do that.

"I really do believe that part of what we have got to look at is using the buildings more imaginatively.

"We need to look at patterns of worship, possibly setting up a friends of both churches, maybe think about reorganising our churches to make them more user friendly."

He also said non-church goers needed to join in as well by supporting fund raising activities and events.

"We have got to have this discussion to see where we go with it," he added.

"I'm open to ideas and to criticism but I need it to be constructive and we need to work together."

He said it was not just about people contributing financially but also their time and effort.

"It's not just in this parish - I'm sure it's true of many parishes throughout England and Wales.

"Sadly there are some people who will not engage in dialogue and continue with the the view the church is a church and should only be used as church."