Written evidence submitted by the
Church Buildings Commission for the Diocese of Norwich

The Bishop of Norwich commissioned a report into the future sustainability of the church buildings in the Diocese of Norwich and Waveney such was his concern about their futures. We submit the report in evidence to the select committee.

http://www.dofn.org/ChurchBuildingsCommission2023

The Diocese of Norwich has more medieval churches than any other Diocese. There are over 640 church buildings in Norfolk and Waveney, 95% of which are listed one and 2*, and 50% of which are located in populations of less than 50. The Commission consulted widely and made recommendations on its findings in a report to the Bishop of Norwich and the Bishop’s Council. There were, however, recommendations for the Church of England and Government on page 18 and 116.

The commission members were concerned to find ways of keeping church buildings open and our recommendations were geared to that end.

The report covers the challenges and issues faced by those responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of these wonderful historic buildings especially in rural areas.

Despite the report providing a positive approach to maintaining the church built heritage it was clear to us that because of the pattern of church ownership, declining congregations and a belief that the Church of England owns and maintains buildings, which is erroneous, without government support and a wider community ownership of these buildings, more and more will fall into disrepair, despite the best efforts of church communities, the Diocese and local Trusts like the Norfolk Churches Trust.

Grant funding for heritage at risk should be maintained and ideally increased.  The listed places of worship grants made permanent.

Church buildings have the potential to make a much bigger contribution to local tourism, heritage and visitor numbers as our recommendation for the establishment of a Churches Cultural and Heritage partnership proposal explains. Pages 17 and 109.

The following views are my own

The Government should make it easier for local communities to take ownership of church buildings which would mean collaborating with the church of England to make it easier. The current pattern of ownership is convoluted and almost impossible to change even if the church communities are willing. The legal complexities are convoluted and very hard to navigate as we found in relation to the potential purchase of a ruin by a private individual in eh Diocese, the process having taken over 5 years despite all parties being supportive.

Laura MCGillivray MBE