A GOVERNMENT review of the long-term sustainability of churches and cathedrals in the UK has called for evidence of their uses and purpose from the communities that they serve.
The English Churches and Cathedrals Sustainability Review was commissioned by the Government in March. Its objectives are to maintain the fabric of church buildings, improve their accessibility through regular repairs and renovations, and research “creative and innovative ways” of using the space more effectively for the wider community.
A public consultation opened last Friday, and closes on 31 January. Participants are asked to complete a short survey identifying their relationship with their local church, and their views on its sustainability.
Questions include: “How much do you agree or disagree that your local church building belongs to you?” and “In your experience, what are the main factors that would prevent a church building from being a financially sustainable resource for wider community activities?” Options listed are: a declining congregation, lack of funding, lack of facilities, poor accessibility, and “No appetite for change”.
Participants can also suggest how their church can be “more closely integrated” with the community. The responses are to inform recommendations, due to be published by the review panel in the spring.
The 12 panel members, announced in October, include a trustee of the Churches Conservation Trust, Sir Simon Jenkins; the Dean of Birmingham (and Dean-elect of Winchester), the Very Revd Catherine Ogle; and the lead bishop on church buildings, the Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge.
Dr Inge said this week: “The Church of England can be proud of the fact that we have been able to maintain our 16,000 parish churches without, until recently, any direct government funding.
“Our churches are arguably in a better state than they have ever been — those who doubt it should just take a glance at a few 18th-century prints [of churches in disrepair]. However, we cannot be complacent, and we welcome the fact that the Government has initiated this review.”
Bernard Taylor, chairman of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, who chairs the panel, said: “Cathedrals and church buildings are amongst the most well-recognised and loved buildings of our national heritage, and need increasing levels of support to be maintained as assets for the whole community.”
A spokesperson for the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the C of E said: “It is important that as many people as possible share their ideas on the future of our collective church heritage so that we can navigate the best path forward to secure these buildings for future generations.”
The Church Buildings Review Group, chaired by Dr Inge, published a report last year (News, 16 October 2015) which suggested that the Church should ask the Government to find more money to support listed churches and cathedrals.
To give evidence visit: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/english-churches-and-cathedrals-sustainability-review.