FAITH centres in Bradford are facing the threat of closure as the cost of living crisis continues, it has been claimed.
Dr Javed Bashir said that rising bills and fewer donations are leaving some places of worship struggling to get by.
Dr Bashir regularly works with mosques, churches, gurdwaras and other places of worship in Bradford as part of his role at Strengthening Faith Intuitions (SFI), a programme which aims to improve how such places are run.
Speaking after a roundtable discussion at Manningham Mills Community Centre – hosted by SFI – last week, he said that faith centres in Bradford are working on the “last line of defence” in the fight against rising costs.
“Faith centres here are under threat, some could be forced to close because of spiralling bills and shrinking donations,” he said.
“Energy prices were the biggest concern expressed by faith leaders at the roundtable. They have doubled, quadrupled compared to last year.
“Some places of worship are working to ensure that they can offer a safe space for people who are struggling to heat their homes this winter, but they know that they will struggle to pay the bills themselves
“Food prices are rising, which will inevitably limit the amount of support faith organisations can offer to people who are short of food.
“Some food banks run by faith groups have seen a dramatic surge in demand – but a drop in donations.
“People can’t afford to donate to places of worship like they used to, it’s all creating a domino effect where these places just cannot afford to operate.”
The roundtable discussion – which was chaired by Thomas Lovesey, Head of Community Engagement at the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – saw calls for more funding and support for faith organisations.
“The event was timely, showing the localised response as well as challenges faith organisations face,” Dr Bashir said.
“Faith leaders have asked for greater recognition, and to be better signposted to places where they can receive funding.
“All faiths are committed to making a difference in their communities. Many faith institutions in Bradford have been providing support for those in greatest need during this crisis.
“They are often the first to respond and the ones who stick around long after headlines have faded, and attention has shifted.
“We hope is that this roundtable can lead to more strategic partnerships with faith institutions, which will allow them to stay open and carry on doing this work.”
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