Every Church Counts

The UK has some of the most historic and beautiful churches, chapels and meeting houses to be found anywhere in the world. But many are at risk of closing for good if urgent action is not taken.

In England, there are now 959 churches, chapels, meeting houses and cathedrals on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register – with 55 more added in 2024.
In Wales, 25 per cent of historic churches and chapels have closed in the last decade.
The Church of Scotland is actively planning to close as many as 30-40 per cent of its churches.

At the National Churches Trust, we are doing everything that we can to support church buildings in need. You can help us be here for every church – and the people and communities who rely on them.

Os hoffech ddarllen y dudalen we hon yn Gymraeg, cliciwch yma.

Watch the video to find out more

Every Church Counts – a blueprint of how churches can be saved for the future

With hundreds of churches facing closure, a national plan is urgently needed to help secure their future. We are calling on the UK Government, heritage organisations and Christian denominations to work together to tackle the UK’s single biggest heritage challenge.

Our plan is the starting point for a national conversation on the future of church buildings. And we would love you to be a part of it.

Get involved

A photograph of the manifesto document in front of Parliament

Download and read Every Church Counts

Take a look at the manifesto in full, which includes quotes from churches, the latest statistics on church buildings and public support and how you can help.

Image of workmen on scaffolding around a church — David Osborne Broad

Find out more about the six points

A short summary of the six points in the manifesto, why they’re important and how you can lend your support.

What you can do to help

Two men in hard hats inspecting the interior of a burned out church — ©Nina McNeary

Listed of Places Worship Scheme only renewed for one year with reduced budget

The National Churches Trust responds to the decision made by the UK Government on the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. Find out more about the decision and what this will mean for churches.

Find out more

A graphic featuring a stained glass window and the text Every Church Counts

Share Every Church Counts on social media and with your contacts

The best way to start a national conversation is to get everyone involved. Can you help? We would love you to show your support for Every Church Counts on social media and with your family, friends, colleagues and churches.

Please do share this webpage and why you support church buildings using the #EveryChurchCounts

You can also download graphics to share here

PowysMALLWYDStTydecho(explorechurches.org)23 — ©ExploreChurches

Join as a Friend

Through our campaigning work, tourism resources, free training for church leaders and more than £2 Million grants every year, we are doing all we can to support the UK’s church buildings.

But we couldn’t do any of it without the help of our amazing supporters.

Find out how you can help us to save churches for future generations