Friary parishioners told more church closures could follow
More Catholic churches across Dundee could be set for closure due to a lack of priests, a public meeting in the city has heard.
The Friary.
- By James Williamson
- Published in the Courier : 14.07.10
- Published online : 14.07.10 @ 06.11pm
A meeting on Tuesday of the steering group for the threatened Friary on Tullideph Road heard that their spiritual home was just one to be closed as part of an "ongoing process."
St Francis parishioner Jim Hampton — who this week met the Bishop of Dunkeld Vincent Logan and other senior figures — reported back on his discussions with the leaders of the Catholic faith in the area.
He revealed that the Franciscan owners of the church buildings would be willing to gift them to the Diocese of Dunkeld — an offer the diocese was not willing to take up.
Mr Hampton said, "I asked if we could open dialogue with the diocese with a view to keeping the parish open. That was declined."
The diocese have claimed that the estimated £500,000 refurbishment costs make it prohibitive to operate a church which is not under their ownership.
Mr Hampton said, "The reasons I have been given is that is an ongoing process. I was advised and that they have not singled out the Friary and that St Theresa's and St Matthew's have been closed down as part of an ongoing process which will not stop here."
He added, "There will be other churches being closed down in the future."
Mr Hampton said he had been told that a dearth of priests was a problem.
He said, "The bishop told me that biggest problem is that there is a distinct lack of priests. I said we would overcome that but I was told, quite simply, 'We don't have a priest to give you'. It was that simple and straightforward."
He added, "They say we have four parishes within striking range of the Friary and they are insistent that the building is not remaining open. It was a fait accompli."
Mr Hampton said, "The bishop asked me to say that he has thought long and hard regarding this closure, taken a lot of advice and consulted the trustees. But the decision has already been taken and I'm sorry that I've got to stand here and tell you that this decision will not be reversed."
However there was anger among the public who felt the bishop should have consulted them before taking a decision.
They felt he was obliged to consult with parishioners under the Catholic Church's canon law.
Mr Hampton said, "I raised the point that under Canon law the bishop should have had discussions with the parishioners, but the bishop said that it is not required under canon law.
"He said that, having given consideration to the way ahead, he had decided he did not want to speak to the parish."
The meeting also heard that more than 700 signatories had signed a petition objecting to the closure, with a further 200 expected to be collected within days.
Parishioners were also told that events booked in the Friary Hall — one of Dundee's busiest social venues — including several weddings, could be cancelled.
The meeting closed with parishioners agreeing to form a committee, despite some objections from the floor, with interested parties invited to come forward.
Earlier the Rev George Robson, of the neighbouring Balgay Parish Church, had paid tribute to the long-standing partnership between the two congregations, which had even seen the denominations share trips away together.
He presented a similar 100-strong petition from his parishioners, and revealed that he had also offered to allow Mass to be celebrated at the Church of Scotland place of worship if their Catholic neighbours were to find themselves homeless.
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