Vatican says St Michael parishioners have legitimate case with appeal

The Wrexham Diocese closed the St Michael’s and All Angels Church in February last year, as part of its restructuring plan, because of the declining number of priests.

Church-goers appealed the decision with the diocese to no avail and have now began a process to have the church re-instated through the Vatican.

An appeal is currently with the Congregation of the Clergy, in the Vatican.

Parishioner John Lewis said they had received good news with the Congregation of the Clergy saying they had a legitimate case with their appeal.

Mr Lewis said: “The Congregation for the Clergy, has acknowledged our appeal and says that we have a legitimate case against closure.

“They have written to Bishop Brignall to seek his side of the argument and we do not know if he has responded yet.

“We are currently considering how long we should wait before seeking an update from the Congregation for the Clergy.

“In the meantime, and to make them aware that we are not sleeping on the job, we have written to Wrexham Diocesan Trustees to ask them to remind the Bishop that, under Canon Law, he cannot sell the church property whilst the closure is under appeal.”

The Pioneer contacted the Wrexham Diocese but had not had any comment by the time the paper went to press.

Failing this stage of appeal the parishioners will need to take the battle to the Apostolic Signatora.

This final appeal will require a canon lawyer and fundraising efforts have been held to raise money to pay for one should it be needed.

Mr Lewis said these fundraisers as well as public events in the church hall made sure St Michaels maintained a presence in the town.

He said: "The church hall is still in use for parish events and outside bookings even though the church itself is closed; hence the coffee morning for Christian Aid on Saturday.

"Keeping the hall active is our way of maintaining the St Michael's presence in the town during the appeal process."