Small Churches in Rural Constituencies 2025-10-16
2025-10-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
St John the Baptist church in Slitting Mill near Rugeley, an important community resource, held its final service in May. The closure was necessary to protect other nearby churches but left Slitting Mill without a place of worship.
Could my hon. Friend tell the House what the Church Commissioners are doing to ensure that rural communities are not left without any access at all to places of worship?
The Church is investing £11 million with partner organisations dedicated to sharing the Christian faith, available to nearly half the parishes across the Church of England. I would be happy to meet or write to my hon. Friend to discuss further.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Under the Local Government Act 1972, parochial church councils can serve notice requiring parish or district councils to maintain closed churchyards. With the creation of unitary authorities, parish councils are taking on more responsibility.
Are the Church Commissioners giving any thought to the effect of local government reorganisation on how those closed churchyards might be maintained?
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point, overlapping with what is happening at local government level as well as what the Church Commissioners are doing. I will write to him to set out whether discussions are taking place with the Church Commissioners.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
St John’s church in Darlington, a significant community landmark, has been put up for sale. The local community is concerned about the criteria needed to repurpose the building.
Will the Commissioner meet me to discuss exactly what criteria the community needs to meet to ensure that we can repurpose the church as a building of social value?
I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss further.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Church of Scotland has seen the closure of numerous small churches in rural areas.
Can I ask the hon. Lady to encourage the Church Commissioners to share best practice and their experience of sustaining small churches in rural communities with the Church of Scotland?
I will certainly ensure that whatever best practice the Church Commissioners have can be shared with the Church of Scotland, and I am sorry to hear about the right hon. Member’s constituency where many churches are no longer in operation.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy