Vicar's appeal to sustain church

Residents urged to boost church funds

An Island vicar is appealing to local residents to support their local church - if they want it to survive.

Christ Church in Laxey celebrates its 160th anniversary in May - and was extensively refurbished in 2014 after £140,000 was realised through the sale of a hall.

But the Vicar of Lonan and Laxey Reverend Jo Dudley says donations from the small congregation can't sustain the parish long-term.

A newsletter will ask residents who care about the church - whether they worship there or not - to consider making regular donations.

All parishes pay into diocesan funds, to cover ministries and buildings - but last year Laxey and Lonan fell £15,000 short of the £29,000 annual sum its expected to contribute.  

Reverend Dudley says the situation has become serious: