The latest news about our work supporting the UK's churches. If you need more information, contact our Communications Manager, Rachael Adams on 07742 800598 or Rachael.Adams@nationalchurchestrust.org
Heritage is at risk like never before in the UK. But together, we are able to make a difference to churches, chapels and meeting houses – keeping them open and in use and protecting them for the future. In our latest round of grants, 53 places of worship now have hope for the future – thanks to you.
New data reveals England’s church heritage ‘danger zones’ and shows the number of churches at risk in MP’s constituencies. Find out how many churches, chapels, cathedrals and meeting houses are at risk in your constituency and what you can do to save them.
High costs of repairs, dwindling congregation numbers and lack of financial support are making the future of many church buildings in Scotland uncertain. But the National Churches Trust is working in partnership with other organisations in Scotland to help equip places of worship to weather these uncertain times.
In her Autumn Budget, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves made no announcement about the extension of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. This is concerning – and why we need your help. Please write to your MP today to urge them to renew the scheme to help churches stay open and in good repair.
The National Churches Trust is concerned that the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme will not be renewed before the scheme comes to an end in 2025. Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the National Churches Trust, writes to the Treasury to ask them to renew this vital scheme.
Churches, chapels and meeting houses are at serious risk of closure and so it is important to look at creative solutions to keep these buildings open and in use for generations to come. Cherish is helping us to target support at key areas where we are at great risk of losing priceless heritage.
58 churches across the UK will stay open and in good repair thanks to £735,326 – almost three quarters of a million pounds – of funding awarded and recommended by the National Churches Trust in our latest round of grants.
In person church attendance can fall by almost a third (29%) if a local church closes, a new opinion poll commissioned by the National Churches Trust shows, with 22% of churchgoers who currently attend religious services in person unwilling or unable to worship in a different church and a further 7% saying they would only attend services online.
The new Government inherits a country with stressed public finances and strained public services. Imagination, ingenuity and leadership are all going to be needed – and whatever happens to taxes, the state will be in no position to solve every problem. But there is one national resource, sometimes overlooked by politicians and policy makers that can help: the UK’s network of 38,500 churches and chapels.
Right now, many church buildings are in danger of closure, putting at risk amazing heritage and support for local people. But you can help turn this around. The General Election on 4 July gives us all a chance to say how important churches are and what help we need from the next UK Government to keep these wonderful buildings open and in good repair.
We are delighted to confirm that His Majesty King Charles III has accepted Patronage of the National Churches Trust. This follows on from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Patron of the National Churches Trust from 1953 until 2022.
We’re pleased to share that 43 churches across the UK will stay open and in good repair thanks to £478,110 of funding awarded and recommended by the National Churches Trust in this latest round of grants.
