The Rev Chris Feak, at Christ Church, Sandown.
CONCERNS an Island church may close on financial grounds have been scotched by its vicar.
A supporter of Christ Church, Sandown, claimed the church faced possible closure because it was in arrears with a voluntary annual contribution to the Portsmouth Diocese, for 2010.
She said the congregation had started fundraising activities to help the church.
However, the vicar of Christ Church, the Rev Chris Feak, said it was wrong to suggest the church could close but confirmed the church had delayed paying last year’s contribution of almost £11,000.
Christ Church recently received £500,000 grants from English Heritage and other sources to improve the building, inside and out.
He said: "We have plans for the church so it would be completely ridiculous to put such plans into operation if we were going to close."
A diocese spokesman said the congregation was committed to paying what it owed for 2011 and it had every confidence it would do so.
"Some worshippers who contributed regularly to the work of the church have moved away or died.
"Some of the newer worshippers are now being reminded giving towards God’s work is part of how they might express their Christian faith."
The spokesman added: "There has never been any suggestion the future of Christ Church is under any kind of threat.
"Indeed, with the amount spent recently on it, it suggests the church will be even better placed to serve the Sandown community."
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk