Discussion follow-up

My discussion topic asked the question as to whether the church should step in to run essential community services when the traditional suppliers close down. This was targeted at congregations within rural areas who may only have limited access to shops, banks and petrol stations. I had this topic bouncing around my head for a number of months before conference, so I was reasonably well prepared when it came to the debate.

 The group was broadly in agreement with the idea of the Church providing local services, and using its premises if appropriate. It is entirely compatible for the Church to support its community in this manner, as this may help to eliminate rural poverty by providing access to reasonably priced produce through a local shop.

One concern was raised that it may look like the Church was abusing its power to prevent other businesses setting up in the area. Between the group it was agreed that the Church should not be the owner of the enterprise, but instead should act as a catalyst to create a community business. Other community businesses have sold shares within the community so the community as a whole is the business owner, and all profits are re-invested in the business or the community. No one person will be profiting, and everyone has a vested interest in the continuation of the scheme. A community cooperative may also qualify for membership of the Cooperative movement, allowing the sale of Co-op branded goods through their wholesaler.

Communities, on the whole are aware when their bank, post office or shop are at risk of closing. If it is known that a proprietor is going to be closing down, then this is the point that the Church should be acting to get the community involved in creating a replacement. The community should not be forcing established business out of the area, but it will know when a proprietor is planning on retiring, and can work with the proprietor to arrange smooth transition.

There was also a little time to discuss the types of enterprise that could be offered. Already in Scotland there are shops, a petrol station and a laundrette, and there are community post offices. It was also suggested that a community should could offer a platform for the sale of local crafts and produce, either as part of a larger enterprise, or in its own standalone shop. Even the pub idea was worth considering. There was little concern about the use of Church premises. While it may be inappropriate to turn the sanctuary into a local wine bar, the church hall may often lie empty for part of the day, so consideration could be made to using the halls for community enterprise.

So in general, the group was broadly in favour of the topic.

 The important thing is to keep Christ at the centre of the community. If the Church can see a way of reducing rural poverty by empowering people to use their time, talents and resources, then this can only be a good thing.

Post Script. It’s not just rural poverty that is affected by not having a supermarket at the end of the street. I am aware of an urban congregation that organised a bus run to Tesco so the largely unemployed members could get cheaper shopping as they did not have access to cars. It’s not about putting money into the hands of Tesco, but instead about helping those worse off buy essentials cheaper. I suppose every little helps.