Churches across the country are being encouraged to enter this year’s National Church Awards, known as the ‘BAFTAs for churches’. Nominations have now opened with categories including architecture, tourism and volunteering.
The National Church Awards are organised by the National Churches Trust in partnership with the Pilgrim Trust, Marsh Charitable Trust, the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association and Mercers’ Company.
Organisers say that while churches have an amazing story to tell – from their beautiful buildings to the dedicated volunteers who keep them open and serving local people – they need help. With the future of many churches uncertain and under threat, they say there has never been a more important time to celebrate the UK’s churches and their importance to communities.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:
“Churches are the beating hearts of communities. They contribute £55 billion of economic and social good each year, bringing communities together to help them to thrive. We are excited to host an awards ceremony that showcases their importance, as well as the many other wonderful ways they contribute to society.
“This is a great opportunity for people across the UK to join with us in celebrating local churches and their buildings.”
Canon Easter, former Chaplain to the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted the awards last year, and will be returning as host this year said:
“It was a great privilege to host these awards last year. It was lovely to see churches from across the whole of the UK nominated and cheered on by their communities. But there are many more churches doing wonderful work, and I hope they will enter for an award this year.”
Churches can nominate themselves for an award by going to: www.nationalchurchestrust.org/awards23
Nominations will close on July 23, 2023, with judging then taking place by church and heritage experts. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 6 November at the Mercer’s Hall, London.
For a list of last year's winners go to https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/impact/awards/winners-2022