This week, Churches of all denominations in Bedfordshire are being urged to participate in a national study launched to assess the state of church buildings and celebrate the community activities that take place within them.
The National Churches Trust says the results will benefit both churches and their communities in the long run, as many UK churches are in crisis. They are falling into disrepair and closing due to a lack of funding for renovation and restoration work.
The role that churches play in communities across Bedfordshire and the UK can go unnoticed.
This survey will provide an opportunity for churches to change that and build a clearer picture for the public, policymakers, the government, as well as funders, dioceses, and support organisations.
Churches often provide a significant amount of social support through activities such as food banks, warm spaces, parent-and-toddler groups, and mental health support, which help the most vulnerable individuals.
The results of the survey will then help with:
- The identification of common issues churches face by nation, location and denomination
- Understanding of the condition of churches in the UK and how their maintenance and repair costs are met
- Recognition of the community activities churches host and run from their buildings, and how volunteers contribute to this and the running of the church
- An opportunity to listen to church volunteers. The survey will provide a place where volunteers can share their feelings and knowledge about church buildings
- Policymakers, dioceses and funders to target their support better to help their churches stay open and in use.
Karl Newton, Deputy CEO of the National Churches Trust, said: “ The National Churches Survey provides a way for individual churches to share their stories, and by uniting these voices, it helps to both celebrate their contributions and advocate for continued support.”
Churches, chapels, meeting houses, and cathedrals from any Christian denomination are invited to participate at nationalchurchestrust.org/survey.
Published as part of our work experience partnership with Kimberley College
