Stark warning over future of diocese

The number of churchgoers in the diocese of Sodor and Man has declined 40 per cent over the last 20 years, faster than anywhere in England.

Bishop Robert Paterson says the Isle of Man has become 'complacent' and the figure should be seen as a wake-up call.

As he looks to the future of the Anglican Church on the Island, Bishop Robert admits the numbers of paid clergy will have to be reduced to cut costs.

He says if the Isle of Man wants its churches to survive, it can't afford to leave things as they are (play audio file):

Bishop Robert was speaking on Manx Radio's Sunday Opinion.