The body that runs Anglican churches in London has been accused of behaving like "profit-making landlords" over plans to shut down a historic church.
The 30 worshippers at Christ Church Brondesbury, in Willesden Lane, risk being split between two other parishes as the Diocese of London plans its closure due to the "worsening condition of the building".
The closure of the church, which dates back to 1867, would also mean the eviction of Laurence's Larder foodbank and a ballet school.
A consultation asking people for their views ahead of a potential closure has been slammed by parishioners as a "tick box exercise".
Mary Conway, a member of the Christ Church Parochial Church Council, said Sunday congregation numbers have fallen from 60 to 30 in the past decade, particularly following the Covid pandemic, but that new people are joining.
She added: "Their reason for existence is not to manage properties as if they were profit-making landlords but to care for and cultivate people and their Christian beliefs.
"No account whatsoever is taken of the deep Christian values of this congregation nor of the beautiful church. The building with its tall elegant spire can be seen for miles around like a beacon. This is a living, breathing community.
"The impact of disbanding the parish will have an impact. This is not a rural community where you merge parishes."
The Grade II-listed building has featured in Open House London as part of Kilburn’s cultural and architectural heritage.
Its defenders say its closure would mean the loss of "a beautiful, serene space" for worship and prayer, a symbol of heritage and a place with special meaning for those married or who attended funerals there.
In the 1980s the main church building was converted into 22 flats, with the London Diocesan Fund as freeholders. The congregation now worships in the chapel.
The diocese has cited financial factors for the planned closure, which Mary said the congregation "strongly disputes".
She believes the church has ignored other sources of income in its "high-handed" decision.
She said the church owns the Bishop of Willesden's house next door, which was gifted to the Diocese more than 30 years ago, and another property is rented out, "which could help contribute to any immediate costs".
Worshippers say the past five years have been difficult with the Covid crisis, as well as priests falling ill and the need to find temporary replacements.
Parishioner Mike Hutchinson said: “The congregation has held strong over five very difficult years with minimal support from the diocese. This feels like they’re kicking us when we’re down.”
Bishop of Willesden Lusa Nsenga Ngoy, who was consecrated last year, said the building's condition means it is "increasingly untenable" for worship to continue there without significant investment to reinforce the church’s foundations.
He said: "Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety of congregants, which is why a decision was made to consult with the community of Christ Church Brondesbury to explore its future, including the potential of its closure."
He added: “Christ Church holds a special place in the hearts of many of us across the Willesden episcopal area as well as in the local community, and we are committed to ensuring that the mission and ministry of the church flourishes in Brondesbury.
"That is why the consultation proposes two thriving churches nearby, St Anne’s and St Gabriel’s, as alternative places of worship, should the decision be made to close Christ Church Brondesbury."
He urged any interested parties to respond to the consultation with their views.
He added: "We will continue to offer our support to anyone that might be affected by a potential closure.”
The consultation ends on October 30, 2023. Any views should be sent toto rex.andrew@churchofengland.org.
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