Eddie Tulasiewicz
(ZENIT News – Catholic Union of Great Britain / London, 11.28.2024).- Our polling shows tremendous support for the UK’s 38,500 church buildings. Over two thirds of UK adults (68%) agree that they are an important part of our history. A large majority (66%) also agree that churches are important for society because of the help they provide for local people in need.
This support comes from Christians, and also from people of other faiths and none, young and old.
The UK has some of the most historic and beautiful churches to be found anywhere in the world. Thanks to the work of the Patrimony Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Catholic churches are now firmly on the heritage map.
Each year, through community support activities including foodbanks and warm space, mostly run by volunteers, they generate social and economic benefits worth at least £55 billion. And they continue to be at the heart of Christian worship and where life events such as births, marriages and deaths are marked.
Sadly, the latest Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ Register, published this month, includes 53 new places of worship; the total is now 969.
Keeping churches open will become even harder if the Government decides not to renew the Listed Places of Grants Scheme. Introduced by Gordon Brown, this allows listed churches to reclaim the VAT on repairs but is due to expire in March 2025.
Every MP has churches in their constituency. Their future and funding is an issue they should engage with and so help make sure these amazing building, each one a House of Good, remain in good repair, welcoming and useful for generations to come.
Eddie Tulasiewicz is Head of Policy & Public Affairs at The National Churches Trust.
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