Save Churches from Crumbling – Give Them to the Locals
Historic England is close to withdrawing its agreement to repay VAT on church repairs, placing a financial strain on the Church of England. This issue highlights a growing crisis for many parish churches across England.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s First Challenge
The new Archbishop should address the urgent problem facing a third of England’s parish churches—between 3,000 and 5,000 buildings—that stand nearly empty, neglected and seldom used. These churches represent almost half of all Grade I listed buildings, making them among the most significant and beautiful heritage sites in England.
Churches as Civic Inheritance and Conservation Crisis
"They are its civic inheritance, its local memory and its place of repose. They are also its greatest conservation crisis."
Many churches are suffering due to Britain’s intense centralization, which has limited local involvement and support.
A Proven, Practical Solution
A simple and effective solution, used throughout Europe, involves “denationalising” local churches. This means transferring Anglican churches—perhaps all of them—from diocesan control to local parish or town councils. Such a transfer would come with appropriate arrangements for shared use and ensure proper protection under local care.
Transferring churches into the care of their communities would preserve them as vital heritage assets and active centers of local life.
"Local churches should be 'denationalised'... transferred by diocesan authorities to parish or town councils, with appropriate arrangements for shared use."
Source
The Times article, Monday November 3, 2025
Original article available on The Times website
Author's Summary
Transferring the ownership of England’s historic churches to local communities offers a lasting solution to preserve these treasured heritage buildings and keep them vibrant and in use.