St John the Baptist Church in Glastonbury has taken the unprecedented step of closing its grounds except for essential services due to escalating antisocial behavior.
As of May 1, the church gates will be shut for 30 days, with the exception of Sunday services and funerals. This decision aims to provide authorities, such as the police and schools, with an opportunity to address the worsening problem plaguing the town of Glastonbury.
Antisocial behavior has been on the rise in Glastonbury, a town that garners heavy foot traffic from tourists and hosts a renowned music festival. Despite the late Pope Francis' call for churches to welcome everyone, the severity of the antisocial behavior left the church with no choice but to close its grounds, prioritizing public safety.
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The Avon & Somerset police have noted an increase in antisocial behavior at St John’s and in Glastonbury overall. They have expressed their support for the closure, emphasizing the necessity of this measure to combat the issue and ensure the safety of residents, workers, and visitors.
The church’s decision to close the churchyard and suspend non-essential activities for 30 days from May 1 is attributed to the surge in antisocial behavior. This period is seen as an opportunity for a reassessment of resource allocation by various agencies to foster an environment accessible to all while upholding the church’s responsibilities for safeguarding its community and visitors.
The church grounds are scheduled to reopen on May 30.