The future of St John the Evangelist church in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, is sparking heated debates after a local businessman proposed transforming the building into a mosque.
This Grade II-listed church, dating back to 1788, has stood unused for decades.
It was last repurposed as an antiques center and café, but since its closure in 2020 due to the pandemic, the building’s fate has remained in limbo.
A Vision for Restoration
Darul Falah Mosque, a community interest company led by Zabihullah Zamir, purchased the abandoned church last year for £140,000.
Zamir envisions restoring the building, but with a significant change—he aims to convert it into a mosque.
However, the plan has faced opposition from the Church of England, which sold the property with a covenant prohibiting its use as a place of worship for other religions.
Church Commissioner Blocks the Plan
In August, Stoke-on-Trent council approved the mosque conversion plans, but the Church Commissioner quickly vetoed the decision.
This move has left locals wondering about the broader issue of what happens to disused churches across Britain.
Many former places of worship have been transformed into homes, shops, or community centers as the number of practicing Christians has dwindled.
A Changing Religious Landscape
The latest census reveals a shift in the religious demographics of England and Wales.
For the first time, less than half of the population identified as Christian—only 46.2%—a sharp decline from 72% in 2001.
Meanwhile, the Muslim population has grown, with 6.5% of residents now identifying as Muslim, compared to 4.9% in 2011.
These shifting numbers add another layer of complexity to the debate surrounding St John’s future.
Divided Opinions Among Locals
The community’s response to the proposed mosque conversion is divided.
Some residents see the transformation as a positive way to bring life back to the derelict building.
One local commented, “It’s just standing empty, so why not put it to use?”
Others, however, are more resistant, with some voicing concerns over the loss of another church in the area.
One person remarked, “It just seems wrong for a church with so much history to be turned into something else.”
Tensions Rise Amid Vandalism and Protests
The building has become a focal point for unrest, with vandalism on the rise.
Broken bottles, boarded-up windows, and the presence of security guards paint a picture of growing tensions.
In a recent wave of violent protests in Hanley, opposing groups clashed over the proposed mosque, further intensifying the community’s divide.
The unrest followed anti-immigration riots that erupted after a tragic incident in Southport, where misinformation and online rumors about the attacker’s background fueled anger.
What Lies Ahead for St John’s Church?
As the debate continues, the fate of St John the Evangelist remains uncertain. Zabihullah Zamir remains hopeful, stating that turning the church into a community hub could bring significant benefits to the local area.
However, the Church of England’s covenant and local resistance make the path forward unclear.
Both sides seem to agree on one point: the historic building deserves better than its current abandoned state.
What happens next will likely depend on ongoing discussions between local authorities, the church, and the community.
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