State support is needed to keep churches open
by Lee Coley, Church Times:
The Government is unlikely to release funds unless parishes show how vital buildings are to communities.
GROWING financial challenges mean that parishes throughout England are struggling to meet their churches’ repair needs; rising numbers are at risk of closing as a result.
To begin to address this, it is necessary to embrace their expanded use in areas that align with the Church’s mission. Besides bringing in more funding from various channels, this also maximises the local benefit of these versatile spaces — and adds credence to arguments for increased state support. This comes at a critical moment when these historic buildings face an unprecedentedly widespread risk of closure.
For the Church of England, a significant proportion of annual expenditure, typically between 15 and 20 per cent, is dedicated to building and works costs. Parish Finance Statistics show that, in the five years leading up to and including 2021, £925 million was spent in this area.
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