A tape recording from the Bishop of Lichfield has been played to hundreds of churchgoers urging them to give more money.

The Right Reverend Keith Sutton said a Christian's financial contribution to the church was as much part of communion as the breaking of bread.

Bishop Sutton's message was played in churches on Sunday after news the diocese could close some churches as part of plans to meet a �2m budget shortfall.

The Lichfield Diocese - which looks after more than 580 churches throughout Staffordshire, North Shropshire, and the Black Country - has falling congregation numbers and rising costs.

Merge churches

Bishop Sutton said in the message: "Our giving to the church's common fund is as much part of our communion with the Lord as the bread which we break in the Eucharist week by week."

The shortfall of money paid to provide ministry in the area could double by 2008 if changes are not made.

The diocese may have to sell off vicarages as well as merge some churches in order to meet the shortfall.