THE future of a Christian bookshop in Worthing is in doubt after the charity which owns it was put up for sale.
IBS-STL UK, the Christian charity which owns the Wesley Owen Christian bookshop in Chatsworth Road, the only one of its kind in the town, announced the sale after revealing "a succession" of serious financial problems.
The announcement has shocked church leaders and left staff and volunteers at the shop, which has served Worthing's churchgoers for more than 30 years, fearing for their jobs.
Shop manager Janet Ashton said: "It's really just 'a day at a time' at the moment. I can't say any more.
"It is a very, very sad situation and I know there are lots of people very concerned about it."
The Ven Lionel Whatley, vicar of Holy Trinity and Christ Church, said: "We will lose a wonderful resource for the Christian community and the town. We have valued the friendliness of the staff and will pray for them and their families as they seek employment elsewhere."
Efforts are being mounted to salvage something from the organisation, which grew over 50 years to become one of the top 100 charities in the country.
STL spokesman Keith Danby, said: "Given the severe financial and operational strains we have experienced, the board of trustees believe a sale or exit from this operation is a necessary step."
The shop is the main supplier in Worthing of Christian books, Sunday School materials, DVDs, videos and a selection of Christian symbols.
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