CHURCH parishes have been an integral part of communities for centuries, merging them was always going to be a contentious issue.

Recommendations on mergers and changing parish boundaries are expected to be considered over the next few months and any changes will take effect over the following two years.

The Blackburn Diocese says the problem related to financial problems faces all dioceses. With the average donation from church members at just £3.60 - not enough to cover expenses - the possibility of of two parishes merging was very much in the pipeline.

Regulars at St Silas Church, where it was announced a priest-in-charge - rather than the traditional vicar - will take over once the Rev Brian Stevenson retires at the end of this month are already unhappy at the decision.

Unlike a vicar, who is appointed by the church trustees and would stay with that church until death, retirement, or moving on, the priest-in-charge could be moved to another parish at any time or run more than one church.

Mr Laurence Loft, secretary of St Silas's trustees, said: "We are not happy to say the least. I can understand why the Bishop would do this, but I have to say we are vehemently opposed to it."

Mr Loft said the decision had been made because of the shortage of both cash and man-power in the Church of England, and could affect the support given to parishioners.

And Brian Perry, secretary to the St Silas Parochial Church Council, said parishioners wanted their own identity. And their own vicar.

He said: "The Bishop of Blackburn will obviously want to consult with the people at St Silas' as to who this priest might be as we all want to be singing from the same hymn sheet on this.

"We want a priest who can become our vicar after the suspension is lifted."

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