Diocesan Synod members gave an enthusiastic response to the diocese’s draft buildings strategy when it was presented at Diocesan Synod on February 28.

The strategy sets out how the diocese will support PCCs in their stewardship of their church buildings. Its main objective is to ensure any support provided responds to what parishes have said they need.

In 2023 the Diocese of Truro committed £22 million taken from diocesan reserves over the next ten years to support parish and deanery plans; investing in the life and mission of the church in Cornwall. £2million of this was allocated to support parishes in their stewardship of historic church buildings.

The paper has been through an extensive consultation process, and the synod presentation was members’ opportunity to give their views.

Standing before members, Kate Cortez, deputy diocesan secretary and report author, thanked those who had already taken part in the consultation process. “I was really pleased with how seriously people took it. Whole PCCs took part. Some were very brave and said what we were all thinking – £2 million was not enough! Others asked how do we invest in a way that multiplies benefits across the life of the whole diocese rather than just fixing five roofs.”

She noted that there was honesty about what could and could not be done. “We want to save buildings but also free clergy and volunteers for ministry and mission. This strategy is the fruit. It is grounded in theology, shaped by consultation, informed by data, realistic about limitations and hopeful about what God can do.

She finished by clarifying that the paper sets out what the diocese is hoping to achieve and how it is going to do that but reinforced the message that this is still a consultation phase and it was a real opportunity for synod to input and influence the final outcome.

Revd Laura Bushell Hawke, who chaired the advisory group developing the strategy, added: “We think the proposals for match funding, small grants, shared services and support officers is the most effective way to reduce burden and move from fear to faith.”

Members were quick to support.

Patrick Newberry, member from Stoke Climsland, and founder of the Cornwall Buildings Group, said: “It is an excellent paper about helping people overcome the daunting process of looking after these buildings. Great paper, great ideas… It could do a lot to help people blow away the myths.”

Kay Short from Penwith said: “I would like to say that this is an excellent piece of work and covers all the things churches and dioceses have been worrying about.”

Revd Paul Salaman from St Austell said: “Great paper and it’s clear where the intention of money being spent is. The work of Faye and Ben has been really good, but they are thinly spread resource. Is there some middle ground where there could be a network of fabric teams across the diocese supporting each other?

Revd Elizabeth Burke member from the Isles of Scilly said: “I love the direction its going in. Triage of the buildings. Increase of building support officers, grant raising, help with faculties. A toolkit would be helpful so that when you have a building that needs fixing you can go and work through it.”

Elizabeth also raised the issue of the other buildings parishes care for such as halls and for those to not be forgotten.

Once finalised, the paper will go to the Bishop’s Diocesan Council for approval in the summer.