Shropshire vicars agree with ex-archbishop's warning on church extinction

Vicars across Shropshire today said former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey is right to claim the church is on the verge of extinction – but claim converting young people to the cause will be easier said than done.

Reverend Dr George Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, at The Trinity Centre, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury

Lord Carey of Clifton, in a keynote address at Holy Trinity Church in Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, said the church as an institution would soon be no more if the next generation were not converted to the cause

His words were heard by more than 300 people as part of the Shropshire Churches Conference 2013 on Saturday.

Reverend Sarah Burton, rector of St John the Baptist church in Whittington, near Oswestry, said: "I'd agree with Lord Carey but thinking about how we can help younger generations know that church is still relevant is not an easy question. I think it is really important the church can connect with young people, that's why we hold Messy Church services. It's a good way of engaging with young families."

Garry Ward, vicar at All Saints Church in Claverley, near Bridgnorth, said he agreed with Lord Carey. But he added: "I do not agree that it is just a case of sitting down and giving young people time. The problem is more deep-rooted than this and is part of a general break-up of society as we once knew it. The Church has a great history of helping young people and that tradition is still alive today, if you go into any Shropshire community the one place usually trying to engage with youngsters is the church.

"The Church is struggling because it is an institution and all institutions, social groups and clubs, barring a very few exceptions, are failing.

"People are very self-centred, lack an interest in their local community and will have nothing to do with those outside their immediate circle.

"The Bible teaches love your neighbour, even love your enemy and be a good valued part of the community. But I'm afraid societal norms tend to be distrust your neighbour, loathe your enemy and look after number one.

"Apathy, distrust and self-fulfilment are the problems, not lack of effort by the church."

The Reverend Judy Hunt, of St Alkmund's Church, Whitchurch, said: "I view his comments as a reminding call not a despairing call. There are good things happening, but the important thing is to be able to carry them on."