Key findings

Historic yet active

64% of churches surveyed are pre-20th century buildings, with 90% purpose–built for worship, and 8 in 10 are holding services at least once a week, if not more. They remain true to their original purpose while adapting to modern needs

Vital community hubs 

Over half of all churches are used by other organisations at least once per week, confirming their role as civic hubs. 56% of churches distribute food, and 85% would expand community support if they had more resources.

Accessibility and openness

58% of churches are open to the public beyond services, and 42% are open daily. This level of accessibility is consistent across urban and rural contexts.

A helping hand

Churches are clear on what resources they need to do more and meet the demands of their local community. 70% say they need more volunteers, 62% say financial support and 39% say better facilities.

Confidence about the future

1 in 20 churches say they feel they will ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ not be used asa place of worship in just 5 years’ time, almost two–thirds (64%) ‘definitely will’ and 27% ‘probably’ so.

Local finances stretched

Congregations and local people remain the bedrock of philanthropic support for churches. 77% of churches rely on local giving and 54% on local fundraising. More than half of churches (65%) have covered 76–100% of repair costs from their own funds in the last 5 years.

Volunteer lifeline

83% of churches say an active body of volunteers is central to successful management of their church buildings. A lack of volunteer time also prevents churches from doing more in their community, with this factor rising sharply from 33% in 2010 to 45% in 2025.

Modern facilities

Churches have made huge strides since our 2010 Survey, with 82% now offering fully accessible entrances (63% in 2010), 73% providing accessible toilets, and 87% connected to mains water (66% in 2010). Also 58% are now equipped with Wifi.

Challenges with building conditions

Roof repairs, guttering/drains, and heating are the most urgent needs facing the UK’s church buildings, with 1 in 10 churches identifying these as needing urgent repair in the next 12 months. Those churches with a roof in good condition have decreased from 70% in 2010 to 61% in 2025.