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The National Churches Survey giving every church a voice full report.
The National Churches Survey: giving every church a voice
Cliciwch yma i weld y dudalen yn Gymraeg
The National Churches Survey: now is the moment to act
Our churches stand as extraordinary witnesses to history: places where beauty, belonging and service to the community have flourished for centuries. At a time when the world around us is marked by turbulence such as economic challenges, social change, and environmental uncertainties, these buildings remain a light in the darkness, resilient centres of worship, heritage and social care.
This report shows both the scale of what is at stake and the hope that continues to shine through. Churches are not passive relics of the past; they are active, living places, powered by volunteers and sustained by communities who depend on them. They embody resilience in its truest form – adapting to changing needs, welcoming vulnerable people, and safeguarding treasures for future generations. What emerges here is not only a portrait of struggle but also one of remarkable strength and a reminder that these places deserve our continued commitment.
The National Churches Survey sets out clearly the challenges that churches are facing and also the opportunities for renewal, if we act together. Without intervention the risks are high – we risk losing these buildings and all they embody – for good. Let us rise to that call, so that churches, chapels and meeting houses continue to stand as beacons of hope in the United Kingdom now and for many generations to come.
Download and read the National Churches Survey reports here
Download the summary report
The National Churches Survey giving every church a voice summary report.
Read the report, page by page
Executive summary
From medieval churches and Nonconformist chapels to Catholic parishes and Pentecostal spaces, read more here.
Key findings
This helpful page will give you nine brief key statistics from the new report from the National Churches Trust about church buildings in the UK.
Methodology
Learn more about the methodology behind the National Churches Survey report including the structure of the questionnaire and the weighting.
At the heart of community: why we need churches
Frontline of social care
Beyond worship and social gatherings, churches directly address some of the most pressing crises facing society today. The National Churches Survey shows that 56% of churches are directly involved in food distribution, with just under four in ten (37%) offering this support at least weekly.
Open Doors and Shared Spaces
Churches are also cultural and social centres – 66% host music groups, nearly half on at least a weekly basis (43%), inspiring creativity and confidence while bringing people together across generations.
The volunteer lifeline
Volunteers are the hidden engine of church life, and without them so many aspects would grind to a halt. The scale of this commitment is staggering.
Custodians of Cultural Treasures
There are over 20,000 listed places of worship in the UK, the vast majority of which are churches.
What's at stake for the future of Welsh heritage?
Places of Worship in Wales are not only guardians of stone and stained glass but also of language and identity, where services embody a cultural treasure unique to the UK.
Endurance and renewal: the challenges of church care
Maintenance: battling the elements
Routine maintenance for even a modest parish church can run to thousands of pounds a year. Major works, such as replacing a roof or repairing a tower, can easily cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. The 2025 National Churches Survey paints a stark picture: church roofs are under mounting strain.
Facilities: fit for today’s communities
Since 2010, thousands of churches have taken significant steps to improve accessibility and usability.
Opening doors: accessibility as hospitality
Accessibility is not just a matter of compliance – it is an expression of the church’s core mission of welcome.
Costs associated: investing together for the future
Churches are not neglectful of their duty of care but are going above and beyond. They are remarkable in their determination to sustain their buildings – but the financial challenge is enormous
Protected for today: sustainable for tomorrow
Church buildings and the challenge of climate change
Churches are not standing still when it comes to meeting the huge challenges posed by a changing climate.
What holds churches back and what helps them to thrive
Barriers to growth and resilience
The National Churches Survey shows that churches are not short of vision.
Recipes for success
What factors do, or would, contribute to the successful management of your church buildings?
Web of church resilience
There are many factors which contribute to the ongoing resilience and sustainability of churches. When we chart each of the four nations on the web of church resilience what is clear is that each nation needs a targeted approach to help church buildings and their congregations to thrive.
Conclusion
A call to action
Read what needs to happen next to ensure that churches remain at the heart of thriving communities for many years to come.
Acknowledgements
The National Churches Survey, created by the National Churches Trust, was made possible by the thousands of volunteers, staff and clergy who participated. Thank you for your time, care, and resolve in ensuring that your church’s voice was heard. Read more about the people and organisations who made the survey possible.
About the National Churches Trust
An independent charity working on the ground in all four nations and supporting churches of all denominations so that church buildings across the UK are well maintained, open to everyone, sustainable and valued.
About Whitestone Insight
A research consultancy with a particular specialism in faith issues and audiences, seeking to support clients with insight that supports public policy, reputation management and communications.
With special thanks to the University of York, to Ecclesiastical Insurance and to Yeomans, who have made this survey possible.