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

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.

An aerial view of Claypole St Peter Church
James MacDonald

40 churches saved in time for Christmas by our grants

Forty historic UK churches and chapels have been saved for the future thanks to £496,625 of funding awarded and recommended by the National Churches Trust in this latest round of grants.

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ExploreChurches

For Churches: our new strategy

'For Churches', our new strategy, is an ambitious plan setting out the ways in which we will support churches across the UK for the next three years.