BURNLEY MP Peter Pike has urged the Church of England to act and stop East Lancashire parishes relying on retired vicars to keep Sunday services going.
He took up the issue in the House of Commons with Church Commissioner, Sir Stuart Bell.
The Burnley Labour MP told him: "Is it not a fact that because the church cannot afford ministers these days, fewer are coming into the ministry and many churches depend on retired ministers to meet their commitment to hold Holy Communion services on a Sunday?"
Second Church Estates Commissioner, Sir Stuart, replied: "I surmise the fact there is a difficulty in securing clergy for every church is due to the number of clergy, rather than the stipend levels.
"The stipend levels for clergy of encumbered status in 1996/97 were £13,940 and £18,110, respectively.
"The figures now are £13,910 and £17,140, so the issue of money is taken care of but the number required is still a problem."
Afterwards Mr Pike, a regular visitor at St Peter's Church, said: "This is a problem across Burnley and East Lancashire.
"There just aren't enough clergy or enough money to go round.
"Too many parishes rely on retired vicars to do the work. Something needs to be done."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article