An overwhelming majority of people think that churches are still needed, despite the growth of digital worship during the COVID-19 pandemic. That's one of the main findings of our consultation about the future of the UK’s church buildings.
From November 2021 to February 2022, we held an online consultation with 1,250 members of the public, allowing them to have their say on the future of church buildings.
Key results
Digital services
- 80% of people agree that digital services have not reduced the need for church buildings.
Who should fund church buildings?
- The primary responsibility for the funding of church buildings should rest with heritage bodies such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund and local church congregations, according to 79% people.
- Many felt that charitable trusts and foundations (73%), the UK Government and devolved administrations (54%) and Christian denominations (50%) should also shoulder financial responsibility for places of worship.
What are the main purposes of church buildings?
- 92% think that the main purpose of church buildings is as places of worship.
- 72% see the main purpose of church buildings as being community hubs.
- 71% agree that they are a key part of national heritage.
- Many spoke about the importance of the history and heritage of local churches and about the sense of place they bring to communities.
- People who do not regard themselves as religious also had a positive view of churches.
Church buildings as community assets
- There is support for the idea of local people being able to take ownership of a church threatened with closure.
- 89% people agreed that churches facing closure should become a community asset, with 79% wanting them to continue as a place of worship.
- Local councils were seen as having a possible role to play in giving church buildings a future.
Sharing church buildings
- With increasing numbers of churches facing financial pressures caused by declining congregations and a loss of income during COVID-19, 46% people agreed that congregations should share church buildings, so that fewer are needed overall.
