A Catholic church sold to the Muslim community in Stoke-on-Trent will be used as a mosque, The Catholic Herald has learned.
Following reports that St Peter’s Catholic church in Cobridge had been sold to the local Muslim community,a spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference for England and Wales told the Catholic Herald: “The understanding of the diocese is that they intend to repair and refurbish the building for use as a mosque as it has a more convenient and level access than their existing premises”.
St Peter’s Catholic church in Cobridge was put up for sale following a decline in the number of parishioners.
A spokeswoman for the archdiocese told the Catholic Herald on Wednesday: “The parish of Cobridge has a long history, but in recent times the number of Catholics living in the area has shrunk to such an extent that those attending Mass at St. Peter’s were simply no longer able to maintain a priest and the church buildings.
“The church was put up for sale on the open market. A modest number of offers were received and a local Muslim community made the best offer, acceptable to the diocesan trustees after consultation in other local parishes.
“The parish of St Peter’s still exists in Canon Law. The sale proceeds, once received, will have to be retained in its name pending a decision by the trustees as to the future needs of the parishioners in Cobridge.”
Madeleine Teahan
