I am just back from a short holiday. I had some bellringing planned and had checked with the towers that it was on. The Wednesday ringing was cancelled through lack of available ringers, caused by illness. There are 8 bells so, presumably at least 2 were ill and the other 6 didn't want to ring as there was no guarantee that I'd turn up to make 7; they did text me to say it was off.
Presumably, had the local band consisted of 12 ringers, 4 or 5 could have been ill but my point is that the whole company must be limited in size that to cancel was the only option. This may be because fewer people are taking up ringing, and that could be because fewer people go to church (not that ringers are noted for their piety!)
One reason attendance in C of E parishes is declining is that there has been an increase in the number of new churches planted (to use the term which seems to apply) in any given area. These are often Evangelical groups which meet in school halls and other large buildings. Newfrontiers is one such establishment and the Evangelical Alliance is another relevant body. There are several other smaller groups.
So, it seems that if people want to get together and 'play at churches' they can simply do so.
I will post about some negative aspects of this later. All I will say now is that there are only a certain number of people of faith to go around. Note that many non-conformist churches have closed (Baptists and Methodists) over the years. The C of E does not suit everyone but not all C of E churches are the same so it ought to be possible to find one you like. It is just that people have a 'pick and mix' attitude to worship these days and balk at being labelled as old-fashioned.
Me, I'm all for tradition: or am I!?
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