AFTER studying the latest national census, a Mosley Common vicar is wondering why there are so many empty pews in his church.

The Rev Julian Hartley, vicar at St John's, says that details for the parish reveal that most people state they are Christians, yet the church attendance figures and general state of society makes him wonder.

He said: "There are so many empty pews and so much crime, misbehaviour, lack of respect and family strife around I wonder if most people are practicing their beliefs in private seclusion, well away from everyone else."

He liked the situation to the controversy of the police officer recently cleared of dangerous driving at 159mph while testing a new car on public roads.

While he agrees that their vehicles have to be tried out Mr Hartley believes the officer should have been driving it on a private track.

He said: "I agree that our police officers should practise their skills so that they are ready to use them when the need arises, but we don't let our armed police practise shooting in the streets and buildings of our towns. They have to practice away from everyone else, on special ranges

"I wonder if that is how people are practicing what religious beliefs they have. That sort of thing might be OK for the police, but I dont think its OK for Christians practicing what they believe. The police have to keep practicing their skills if they're going to do their job properly, well people need to keep practicing what they believe if they're going to live properly and reap the benefits. Maybe it's time for people to get back into practise."