Thursday 27 October 2011

”… changing demographics.”

Churches planning to take over empty business park units are threatening to undermine the viability of firms struggling in the downturn, a leading forum has warned.
Gosh! And I thought the churches were struggling. How can this be?
Creekmouth Forum spoke out as councillors prepared to look at plans to open two new churches on an industrial site in Thames Road, Barking. One church is expected to draw more than 800 worshippers at peak time.
That’s a lot of bums on seats pews…
The forum of 250 Barking companies believes the places of worship could destroy the identity of Thames Road, cause too much traffic and fear they may have difficulties complying with health and safety regulations.
Why should they fear that they might have difficulty complying with H&S? What sort of church is thi…

Ah.
Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum said the increase in church applications was brought upon by changing demographics.
Oh. I see what they mean now.

And I see the reason for that H&S concern too:
Separately, Pastor Stephen Ologun has made an application to take over empty industrial premises to open a Redeemed Christian Church of God in Selinas Lane, Dagenham.

He said: “Our presence does not in any way jeopardise the progress of the business community.

The presence of a church will only bring a blessing.”
Really? How long before we hear about this sort of 'blessing' happening at these new mega-churches, I wonder?

8 comments:

Captain Haddock said...

"Barking and Dagenham Faith Forum said the increase in church applications was brought upon by changing demographics" ...

Why do I get this feeling in my water, that the word "Church" - when used in this context is somewhat ambiguous ?

Ranter said...

As I read your first paragraphs the words 'I bet these aren't nice white CofE congragations.....' formed in my mind. Reading the article I saw I wasn't being racist. These 'churches' are all over the place and many are genuine but plenty enjoy a nice mixture of Christianity with some good old voodoo such as demonic possession of children and the ability to produce healthy babies to barren women without all that nasty pregnancy stuff. Still, BArking can only become more 'vibrant' as a result - which can only be good....yes?

Trevor said...

These churches will be needed to help their members with problems like this

Captain Haddock said...

"These churches will be needed to help their members with problems like this" ..

He's obviously formed a stable relationship .. ;)

Ranter said...

Ahhh, the old 'tom turned into donkey' excuse..........worth a try I suppose .... and then de pastor can beat de donkey demon from her body!

NickM said...

Actually there is an issue here. If you're the manager of a B&Q the best thing to open next to you is a Homebase. This works because customers perceive competition even if the two managers are price-matching. More practically it means if one store doesn't have what you want in stock then...

And this is not new. Medieval towns had streets (it's in their names) of all the same business. Oddly enough modern Istanbul has retained this tradition.

kevin said...

How long will it be before these 'churches' start demanding that certain local businesses are shut down because they can't have that sort of thing (whatever it is) near houses of worship.

JuliaM said...

"Why do I get this feeling in my water, that the word "Church" - when used in this context is somewhat ambiguous ?"

Probably for the same reason I do...

"Still, BArking can only become more 'vibrant' as a result.."

Taken a walk in Barking recently? It's not possible for it to get more 'vibrant'!

"He's obviously formed a stable relationship .."

SNORK!

"Actually there is an issue here. "

The industrial site he's talking about is more commercial than retail. Only these sorts of sites are likely to provide the space needed.