Church thrives despite attack
Thank you for your front page article drawing attention to some of our recent problems at St Matthew's.As Walsall's oldest building, its ancient parish church and the civic church of the borough, we are a key part of Walsall's heritage.
We would like our fellow citizens to take pride in St Matthew's and therefore they also need to be aware when its fabric is disfigured in this way. But I hope nobody has the impression, however, that we are a moribund old church which no one wants to go to and which is gradually declining under the assaults of vandals.
St Matthew's is in fact home to a thriving faith community including people of several cultures, all ages and a variety of worship traditions from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer right through to Church Hill Praise, our enthusiastic band-led evening service.
I am concerned your article suggests people might be discouraged from coming to some of our services through fear of those hanging about near the church.
We employ someone specifically for security during the evening service and are confident that people who do attend will be at least as safe as anywhere else in Walsall. So don't be afraid, you can come with confidence to our services!
Special thanks to the police, whose prompt response has greatly reduced the problem, and to Walsall Council's graffiti busters who have transformed our walls back to their proper state.
Rev Colin Gibson, St Matthew's Church, Walsall.
