The latest year has seen a sharp spike in the revival of churches across the country, with more young people putting down their phones and picking up their Bibles.
However, this is not the same everywhere in the country, as some churches are still struggling to bring younger people in.
One church in Bournemouth, St Augustine’s Church, has been deemed no longer viable due to its low congregation numbers and financial concerns.
The Church of England has since been accused of ageism as it proposed a plan to close down the south coast church due to its elderly congregation.
The Grade two listed place of worship, which predominantly has a church congregation of 70s and above, has been serving the local community for the past 130 years, with it being a staple to the elderly population.
Churchgoers were left shocked by the decision and have criticised the plan from the Church of England, emphasising that it is the only church within travelable distance for many of the ageing population.
One member of the church, Mr Agar, a former Army Major who commanded the Gurkha battalions and served on three separate military tours, has promised a ‘fight’ against the proposed plan.
He first attended St Augustin’s as a child and, since then, has continued to worship there before and after his time spent fighting abroad.
He has also represented the church on the Deanery Synod for 15 years become a leading member in the Bournemouth church.
Mr Agar spoke to the Independent about the CofE’s choice to close the church, he said: “Most of our congregation are well over 70, and we’ve got some in their 90s.
“This church is in a very good position. Cemetery Junction is served by practically every bus route in Bournemouth. For elderly people, access is absolutely vital.
“They think we have had our fights, our lives, you could say it is ageist, they think we are easy to bully, this was my church since I was a boy. I will keep fighting."
The ex-Army Major also tackled the current state of the Church of England, describing the old structure as an “absolute mess.”
It stated that the Parochial Church Council is to vote on the closure at the end of the month.
St Augustin’s church, Bournemouth, has been approached for a statement.
