Listeners:
Top listeners:
-
play_arrow
Thousands of UK Churches Face Closure Amid Financial and Demographic Pressures
by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – Thousands of churches across the United Kingdom may close within the next five years as financial hardship, maintenance costs, and declining attendance continue to erode the viability of many congregations, according to a new nationwide survey.
The National Churches Trust (NCT) warned that as many as 2,000 churches could shut down by 2030, marking one of the steepest declines in active worship sites in modern British history. The findings were drawn from a May–June survey of 3,600 congregations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The survey revealed that nearly 70 percent of churches expressed confidence they would remain open through 2030, while another 26 percent said they were “probably” secure. However, about 5 percent—roughly one in every 20 churches—were uncertain about their future. Rural congregations appeared especially vulnerable, with 7 percent expecting closure compared to 4 percent in urban areas. Among denominations, Methodist churches faced the greatest risk, with 12 percent doubting their long-term survival, followed by 9 percent of Presbyterian congregations expressing similar concern. Although Anglicans reported a comparatively lower closure risk of 4 percent, their large national presence means that figure could still translate into as many as 700 closures across the United Kingdom.
The study found that historic status played a role in determining outlook: Grade I listed buildings were more optimistic about remaining open, while unlisted or poorly maintained properties faced the greatest uncertainty.
“This is an existential moment for the U.K.’s church buildings,” the NCT said in June as it launched the Future of the U.K.’s Church Buildings initiative to develop strategies for preservation and reuse.
In Wales, the decline has already taken a heavy toll — roughly 25% of churches have closed over the past decade, mirroring falling attendance and population trends.
The financial squeeze is compounded by policy changes. While churches can claim up to £25,000 per year in government repair grants, the requirement for each claim to exceed £1,000 limits smaller parishes from receiving support for minor repairs.
Cathedrals, by contrast, remain confident in their long-term stability due to tourism revenue and institutional backing, while smaller local churches increasingly face difficult choices between merging, repurposing their spaces, or closure.
According to The Brierley Research Consultancy, the total number of active worship sites in the U.K. fell from 42,000 to 39,800 in the last decade — a trend accelerated by post-pandemic attendance drops and rising repair costs.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
Eight prominent Muslim-majority countries announced their decision this week to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, a move framed by its supporters as a step toward stability — but viewed in Israel with deep skepticism given past regional failures in Gaza.
Nigerian police have confirmed that a large group of Christian worshippers were kidnapped by suspected Muslim gunmen from three churches in a remote area of Nigeria’s northern Kaduna State, reversing an earlier denial that authorities said had been “widely misinterpreted.”
President Donald Trump called off tariffs on U.S. allies opposed to his plans to annex Greenland after announcing a tentative deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for a future deal on Greenland.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join the newly proposed Board of Peace, his office confirmed Wednesday, as a growing number of European governments signaled they will not participate in the initiative.
President Donald Trump said the United States is pursuing negotiations to acquire Greenland while ruling out the use of military force, framing the controversial proposal as a necessary security measure rather than an economic or mineral-driven ambition.
Gold prices surged to a record high on Wednesday as investors sought safety the deepest crisis in the transatlantic alliance in decades with U.S. President Donald J. Trump saying Europe “is not heading in the right direction.”
U.S. President Donald J. Trump marked one year since returning to the White House with a wide-ranging and often confrontational press conference, defending his record while renewing criticism of political opponents, major media outlets, and several U.S. allies.
WHO WE ARE
The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.
CONTACT
- +1 908 280-4246
- Essex County, USA
- info@tnjrfm.com