The future of church buildings has been described as the biggest challenge facing the UK by the National Churches Trust (NCT), as it launches a major survey to learn why churches are closing.
In Wales, 25 per cent of churches have closed in the last decade alone.
Chairman of the National Churches Trust, Sir Philip Rutnam said church buildings are facing an existential moment.
Key areas of concern include how frequently a building is used, its current condition, and the cost of maintaining it. The survey, which spans churches of all denominations across Britain, follows changes to the Listed Places of Worship Scheme, which now limits churches to claiming up to £25,000 per year for repairs exceeding £1,000.
The NCT says the survey will be “an opportunity to listen to church volunteers” who often work “unnoticed” for their communities. “The results of this survey will give everyone access to the most up-to-date information about the state of these buildings and how they contribute to public life,” said Sir Philip. “It will enable the government, funders, denominations and the heritage sector to ensure their support can be targeted even more effectively, so that churches can stay open and in use.”
In England, almost a thousand churches, chapels, and meeting houses are on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. In 2024, 55 more were added, bringing the total to 952. In Wales, 25 per cent of historic churches and chapels have closed in the last decade, while the Church of Scotland is actively planning to close as many as 30 to 40 per cent of its churches.
Churches have welcomed the opportunity to express their concerns. The Methodist Church in Ireland said: “Churches are much more than worship spaces; they also contribute to the heart of community life. This survey is an important step in understanding these collective challenges and assisting in exploring creative, practical solutions as we plan and invest in the future.”
Richard Harries, Trustee, Caritas Social Action Network Caritas Westminster, said: “See, Judge, Act is a central tenet of Catholic social teaching. Yet, to ‘see’ things clearly requires a comprehensive evidence base. By participating in this survey, Catholic churches across England and Wales will be better placed to meet the needs of their parishioners and to be of service to the wider community.”