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july 2008 Salt of the earthChristian churches in Glasgow are in the front line of social action, providing support to the city ís young, old and often vulnerable people, says Meg Lindsay
The media would have us believe that the church is sleepwalking into oblivion. Is this true? A recent research report published by Glasgow Churches Action, a partnership of churches in Glasgow, paints a very different picture. The Salt of the Earth report, introduced by Glasgow’s Lord Provost, describes the massive contribution that Glasgow’s churches make to their communities.
The findings, based on in-depth research and interviews covering 65 per cent of Glasgow’s 315 churches, were dramatic. Apart from Sunday worship, 2,382 activities were recorded for these churches, with attendance estimated at 2.5 million people per year if all 315 churches had been interviewed. The average attendance at an activity was found to be 36.2 per week, and per church was 184 per week. Most of these activities were operated by the churches themselves, but they also allowed many other groups to use their premises, often supporting them with volunteers and finance as well.
The churches have coverage of all areas of the city. Using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, it was found that 51 per cent of the churches surveyed are located in areas of the city that fall within the 20 per cent most deprived areas in Scotland. This gives the churches a unique position from which to assist the most needy people in society – and the evidence is that they are making full use of the opportunity.
This article is continued in the July 08 edition of Reform.
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