Brentwood hosts Historic Churches Conference

Brentwood Cathedral

As chair of the Patrimony Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Bishop Thomas McMahon will be welcoming attendees at the Historic Churches Committees Conference this Thursday, 19 May, at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Helen in Brentwood.

The conference theme is: 'Shut down or open up? The future of Catholic church buildings'. Attendees include members of HCCs across the UK, diocesan architects and surveyors, and representatives from bodies such as English Heritage, the Historic Chapels Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Heritage and Arts Commission.

Sophie Andreae, vice chairman of the Patrimony Committee, said: “The publication of A Glimpse of Heaven: Catholic Churches of England and Wales in 2006 by English Heritage and the Bishops’ Conference made many people aware of the significant Catholic architectural heritage that exists in this country. And that interest has grown and grown.”

Demographic changes have meant that some dioceses have had to face the difficult issue of closing some churches. The conference brings together a number of speakers to reflect on pastoral review, and examine how Canon Law can mesh with current planning legislation and conservation policy. Delegates will hear about a number of case studies and from conservation expert Paul Drury about why historic church buildings are important and why potential closure can be an issue for the wider community.

“Closure can be the beginning of other problems, particularly if a building is listed,” saID Andreae. “What do you with it afterwards? Precipitate closure is not advisable. We have to explore all the options and consult widely with all stakeholders before closing churches.”

With the 20th anniversary of the Cathedral at Brentwood on the horizon on 31 May, the conference will also hear presentations on its design: Bishop Thomas will speak on How the Project Evolved, while architect Quinlan Terry will give insights on Designing the New Cathedral.

After lunch, attendees will visit the Cathedral with Bishop Thomas and Quinlan Terry, before visiting Ingatestone Hall, the home of Lord Petre.

Bishop Thomas has been chair of the Patrimony Committee for many years and has made an enormous contribution to raising the profile of Catholic art and architecture. He is retiring this year.