One Anglican church in each parish is funded by ratepayers

Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq believes there should be greater separation between church and state.

But the head of the Church of England in Guernsey, Canon Paul Mellor, says he supports the current set-up.

Under the present system one Anglican church in each parish is funded by ratepayers, while all other churches must find the money themselves.

Serving community

Canon Mellor says parish churches should receive the funding because they perform a vital role by hosting community functions.

But Deputy Le Tocq, who is himself a Christian minister of an independent denomination, believes this argument could be applied to almost any church.

"The church isn't about buildings, it is about people," he said.

"Each church should be an integral part of the community and serving that community, not talking about bricks and mortar."