Cash machines urged for Anglican churches
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Cash machines urged for Anglican churches*
A senior Anglican clergyman wants cash machines to be installed in
churches - because it will help serve the community.
The Archdeacon of Lincoln, the Venerable Arthur Hawes, said people in
rural areas sometimes have to travel more than 10 miles to withdraw cash.
He said his idea was inspired by medieval times when churches were used
for a range of activities.
But the proposal would need to be approved by the Church of England's
own planning authority.
We live in a credit card age but we still need cash for some
things-Arthur Hawes, Archdeacon of Lincoln
Mr Hawes said: "Already in some churches they have post offices.
"In Lincolnshire, there are lots of churches with rooms built on to them
with kitchen facilities and toilet facilities, where people can meet
because often it is the only public building left in a village," he said.
The archdeacon said the idea had not faced opposition from parishioners.
He added: "I know we live in a credit card age but we still need cash
for some things.
"These people have to travel all that distance, which costs them money,
so why not put a cash machine somewhere handy like in a church."
Centre of community
A spokesperson from the Church of England said permission would need to
be sought from a church's local diocese before a cash machine was
allowed to be installed.
He added: "Increasingly, we are seeing churches coming forward with a
range of ideas, which reinforce their position at the centre of their
communities.
"These range from churches who have taken on a local post office or
village store."
Canon Chris Sugden, executive secretary for the Anglican Mainstream
group, backed the idea.
He said: "With the withdrawal of banks and post offices from rural
areas, it is quite appropriate that churches, as a community building
should be available for services of this kind."