A number of historic Wishaw churches face uncertain futures following the launch of "radical" plans by the Church of Scotland.
One proposal for the town's kirks would see a merging of no fewer than six parishes including Cleland, Cambusnethan North, Cambusnethan Old & Morningside, St Mark’s, Wishaw Old and Wishaw South.
This plan would involve just two ministers, with one being the designated Minister of the Charge and the other a “town centre pioneer”, who would work with local businesses as a chaplain while looking to initiate new forms of spreading the word across the town, particularly with the under 40s.
Under the proposal, Wishaw St Marks and Wishaw South would be retained in the interim as the main places of worship, with all other buildings ultimately being sold off.
One disillusioned parishioner, who asked not to be named, said: “I don’t understand the reasoning behind it all.
“They seem to be forgetting about all the other things the churches do within the community.
“There’s so many men and women who go to a coffee morning or attend a group within the church and it’s the only social interaction they have all week.
“Also, what will this mean for youth organisations such as Boys’ or Girls' Brigade? These youngsters will have nowhere to go.
“I understand that change is needed but this is far too radical.”
Another concerned church-goer said: "I am really disheartened by this news. I have attended my parish for more than three decades and the thought of moving to a different church some distance away is both sad and a bit daunting.
"I really hope the powers that be think long and hard about this decision and the impact it will have on many people's lives."
The Presbytery's “Plan B” proposes a Union and Partnership agreement of Wishaw South, Cambusnethan Old & Morningside and Overtown churches.
Under this plan, the current building at Wishaw South would be retained along with the building in Overtown as a Local Mission Church.
In the Wishaw North and East Charge, the proposals would mean a union between Shotts Calderhead Erskine, Newmains Bonkle, Coltness Memorial and Overtown, with Coltness Memorial being kept as main place of worship and Overtown Church retained as a Local Mission Church.
The Church of Scotland is drawing up plans to determine the future of local parishes and their sustainability for local communities.
The Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale says “change is necessary”, as it begins consultation with church members.
A spokesman said: “The Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale, like all Church presbyteries, will shortly start consulting church members on a draft mission plan which will determine how limited resources are allocated to congregations over a five-year period.
“It is a roadmap to the future because change is necessary in order to deliver sustainable and realistic new expressions of ministry and ensure well equipped spaces are in the right places to effectively deliver Jesus’ call to mission and discipleship.
“The Presbytery of Forth Valley and Clydesdale is drawing up plans at the behest of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland against a backdrop of declining numbers of people training for the ministry, a reduction in financial contributions and falling membership.
“Presbyteries are using a toolkit created by the General Trustees and Faith Nurture Forum to determine which buildings are required to achieve the Church’s primary purpose of worship and mission.
“It sets the criteria by which a building should be assessed – is it wind and watertight, safe to use, secure, accessible, have adequate facilities, offer flexibility of use and are the maintenance and repair costs realistic and sustainable.
“The objective is to determine whether buildings are relevant for a congregation’s missional role and whether it is appropriate to spend local and/or central resources on introducing or improving standards.
“No final decisions have been taken as this work is in progress and subject to change.
“Draft mission plans must be agreed by presbyteries, the Faith Nurture Forum and the General Trustees by December 31.
“Approved mission plans will be reviewed on an annual basis.”
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