Stephen Evans, the CEO of the National Secular Society, seems not to understand who is responsible for the upkeep of English parish churches (Letters, 9 February). At national or even diocesan level, the Church of England has very little power in regard to them.
These buildings are vested locally and are the responsibility of locally elected church wardens and parochial church councils. Adapting them for local needs can be done very effectively, as John Symes’ experience in Droxford, described in his letter, makes clear. But every situation is different and needs different solutions. Many village communities do not welcome their parish church hosting other events, as the village hall and other local venues are already struggling for bookings.
