Sir Philip Rutnam has become our new Chairman.
He formally assumed the Chairmanship at a meeting of our Trustees on Thursday 22 September 2022.
He succeeds Luke March, who served as Chairman since 2012.
Sir Philip Rutnam said:
“I’m deeply honoured to have become the new Chairman of the National Churches Trust.”
“I’d like to pay tribute to the support that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth gave to our work during her lifetime. As one of the first charities to be honoured with her patronage, we were immensely grateful to have had her support throughout her reign. “
“I’d also like to thank Luke March for his outstanding leadership of the Trust as Chairman for the last ten years. He leaves behind a charity that is today the leading body supporting churches, chapels and meeting houses throughout the UK.”
“The importance of our work and the importance of churches to national life and to local people cannot be overstated.”
“However, today too many of the UK’s 39,000 churches struggle to find the money they need to stay open and in good repair.”
“The Church of England of England alone estimates that it has a £1 billion repair bill for its parish churches.”
“I know the immense community contribution that churches make to the UK and to local communities.”
“So much happens in churches - from Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to maths classes and daily nursery schools and of course a range of religious services.”
“Churches make an amazing difference to people, believers or not.”
“Together with the National Churches Trust team, I will do everything I can to help more people recognise the importance of these remarkable buildings and for more money to be available to keep churches open and in use, now and for future generations to enjoy.”
