Changing pattern of church attendance

Bishop's parting words with Island

The Island's Lord Bishop bids a final farewell to Mann on his last official day in office today.

Bishop Robert Paterson is retiring after eight years, leaving the Island to start the next chapter of his life in England.

In leaving, he's reiterated his view that the cost of upkeep for decaying church buildings should be partly met by the Manx government.

Bishop Robert says if the community wants the structures to survive long-term, the money should be found from the public purse - not church-goers alone. 

He says in future, traditional churches many not be needed for worship, as church attendance is changing: