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Letter: ‘Are church leaders hedging a bet against declining attendance and revenue streams?’

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We should not fear asking challenging questions that may lead to uncomfortable conclusions. According to reputable studies, organized religion in Canada is in decline. Polls probing church attendance and affiliation have linked dwindling religious participation to changing demographics. Weekly attendance at religious services is paltry compared to past decades. The forecast for a reversal of that trend is bleak.

The Oak Bay United Church is developing plans to convert a large percentage of its property to affordable rental housing, which might be perceived as a noble undertaking were it not for various concerns being legitimately expressed by neighbours and others in the community. In short, a controversy is growing. This letter is to enquire about what may be less than transparent, and more delicate.

Are church leaders hedging a bet against declining attendance and revenue streams? Do they see writing on the wall that the public does not? Are they striving to ward off financial unsustainabilty by throwing a Hail Mary pass to prop up an institution that has diminishing long term prospects? These are hard questions which deserve to be considered in an honest reckoning.

Shouldn’t we also be asking about other lifeline options for repurposing a lovely, historic building and desirable property that are not driven solely by concepts of development and expansion? An engaged creative and responsible community can surely envision other dynamic and beneficial possibilities to serve the many rather than a few.

Hopefully, the church congregation and leadership will undertake thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous deliberation, and will take a path of wisdom. Uncomfortable realities may need to be faced. One door closes; others open.

C. Harp

Oak Bay