I HAVE read with interest and respect the opinions and thoughts of those who have recently written with regard to local churches, in particular St John's Coleford.

I also agree with Rev Bromfield that it is a sad fact that church attendances have dropped so low that, without this being addressed sooner rather than too late, more churches will suffer the same fate as St John's.

I wonder though, when the Archdeacon confirmed the donation in excess of £700 10 years ago to build a toilet at St John's, did he also mention before the Diocese pocketed the money, that the dedicated congregation often worked long and hard to fundraise, not just for the toilet but in striving to keep their church alive and thriving? This was down to the basic fact that the congregation loved their church and wanted to see it stay open.

However, in recent years, when the financial situation became too difficult to overcome, public meetings were held and the local people of Coleford were encouraged to come along and help keep their parish church. Sadly, very few did and I fear alas that it will take the demolition team to start bringing the building down before many actually realise that the loss of the town's church is now very much a reality.

I agree with the comment that the Diocese of Gloucester has a lot to answer for and that it is time they put congregations first, not just pocket the hard-earned money raised by devoted congregations. I also feel sad that going to church is now being looked at in such a mercenary and often political way: it has become much less about faith and worship and too much money-orientated and answering to the hierarchy.

It is little wonder that people shy away from attending church any more, yet there must be those in the Forest and elsewhere who have faith and long to follow it up, but fear what the church stands for in a modem world.

Yet I believe there is still hope and I have attended several churches in the Forest over the last year where there is still a thriving community, none more so than Rev Bromfield's at Drybrook where I experienced a warm and friendly atmosphere, larger than average congregation numbers, the Sunday school and a heart warming feeling that church is still very much worthwhile and sacred for a great many of us. God bless.

– Concerned believer, Coleford.