Future of Northern Ireland’s churches at risk without increased and sustained funding, new report reveals

A new landmark report reveals churches across Northern Ireland face growing pressures that threaten their long-term future, despite playing a vital and often under-recognised role at the heart of community life.

The report findings have been unveiled by the National Churches Trust at the Northern Ireland Places of Worship Conference in Belfast. In response, the Trust is calling for increased and sustained funding to help churches remain open, maintain their historic buildings, and continue their vital work supporting communities across Northern Ireland and the wider UK.

Drawing on findings from the National Churches Survey – the first cross-denominational survey of its kind ever undertaken in Northern Ireland – the report shows that churches are not only places of worship, but also key providers of social support and community connection – in many areas representing one of the last remaining shared public spaces available to local people.

However, the report demonstrates a growing gap between what churches are being asked to deliver and the resources available to sustain them. Most churches rely heavily on volunteers and local giving to fund their activities and maintain their buildings, with congregations covering most repair costs themselves. The report warns that this model is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain without additional support.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:
“Churches are one of Northern Ireland’s greatest community assets. They are places of worship, but they are also places of welcome, support and connection, often stepping in where other services have been lost. If we want to keep these buildings open and serving their communities, we need greater, long-term investment. Churches are part of our national heritage and our social infrastructure, and they deserve to be supported as such.”

The Northern Ireland Places of Worship Conference was coordinated by the National Churches Trust with funding from the Department for Communities and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The National Churches Survey report is published by the National Churches Trust and funded by the Department for Communities.