I have just sent you a letter seeking your support for our new emergency campaign to get alarms fitted to church roofs. This is a major initiative for us. It responds to an urgent need: for example Great Milton emailed me ten days ago. “We had a theft of some of our roof lead last week. They took nine panels and were disturbed. We are feeling very vulnerable that they may come back for the rest. We are trying to urgently fit a roof alarm, and would like to apply for a grant from the OHCT. We will be so grateful for any help you can give. Thank you for all the work you are doing to support and encourage churches in Oxfordshire”. By the time you read this they should have their alarm fitted. I pass on their thanks since they are due to all who support what we do.
I am disturbed, however, by the fact that so far the overwhelming majority of the applicants for our roof alarm grants are churches which have already had lead stolen. Others are sadly mistaken if they think it cannot happen to them. The price of lead is at an all-time high. Through the diocese Anglican churches should have heard about our scheme. Other denominations may not have. If therefore you know of an Oxfordshire church of any denomination with a significant amount of lead (or copper) on its roof, please persuade its Church Council to apply. It’s a race against time – and the thieves.
And please do consider whether you can respond to my letter and contribute to our roof alarm fund.