Latest news

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

Exterior shot of Boraston Parish Church with lush green grass in the foreground and trees behind the brick church.
Philip Pankhurst

England’s church heritage ‘danger zones’ revealed

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.

A man and a woman at an event stall, each holding up leaflets
Rachael Adams

Building a sustainable future together to keep Scotland’s churches open and in use

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.

Larling St Ethelbert undergoing building repairs
Matthew Welch

Autumn Budget: important update for UK churches

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.

An image of a boarded up church
Tony Atkin CC-BY-SA2.0

Closing churches cuts worship numbers, new opinion poll finds

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 Houses of Parliament pictured from above

How the new Government can help keep UK churches open and in use

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.

The UK Houses of Parliament lit up with a blue sky behind and part of the river Thames visible
Michael D Beckwith

Put churches on the agenda during the General Election campaign

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.

A portrait of HM King Charles III
Hugo Burnand & The Royal Family

King Charles III becomes Patron of the National Churches Trust

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.