The Church of Ireland has had to close many churches with the buildings now being used for different purposes.
The Green Glens Arena in Millstreet County Cork, where the Eurovision Song Contest was staged two years ago, is the venue for a Celebration of Faith, a unique religious gathering.
Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross Roy Warke led an event which brought over three thousand members of that Church of Ireland diocese together for a day of prayer, spiritual readings, drama and music.
In recent years, congregations have been in decline in the Church of Ireland. For some parishes, however, there has been a rise in the number of children attending Church of Ireland schools. James Dukelow from Durrus in County Cork is hopeful about that there could be better days ahead.
The issue of closing churches remains on the agenda. Bishop Warke acknowledges that while it is sad to see historic buildings closing, improvements in transport mean that small churches in isolated locations are no longer viable,
It's being realistic.
Former churches have been converted to arts and heritage centres, but are also now serving as business premises such as post offices, lighting shops and greengrocers.
Reverend Olive Donohue believes that such changes, difficult as they may be, are part of the reality of life,
We all have to make huge adjustments.
This report for 'Nationwide’ was broadcast on 22 June 1995. The reporter is Tom McGuire.
