The national church of England has been in turmoil during its recent meetings in London. You might wonder if this matters beyond the 1.7% of the population that still attends its services. The truth is, it does. The Church of England maintains a historic role in the nation’s life, making its decisions significant beyond its immediate congregation.
A seemingly unending debate over how the church should handle safeguarding issues is currently causing quite a stir. This debate has already led to the downfall of one archbishop and is now troubling his successor. The core of the disagreement is whether abuse should be policed by an external agency or managed internally. This question is crucial because it touches on the church’s identity: is it a dignified national institution or just another religious sect?
Over time, the church has shifted more towards being a religious sect, choosing internal discipline as its main route. This change is something that should be acknowledged because the church, despite its historic significance, no longer holds its place as an “established” pillar of the nation.
In 2023, the church fulfilled its traditional role in the grand coronation of Britain’s new head of state. Yet, to many, the ceremony was, in essence, a series of baffling rituals. These oaths, garments, and sacred oils might as well have been part of an ancient ceremony at Stonehenge. In today’s Europe, where monarchies still exist, such events are usually secular. It’s worth noting that Prince William, the heir to the throne, is known not to be a regular churchgoer. This indicates a ripe moment for change, before his coronation. There’s a strong case for a new Reformation, but where is the government willing to take that bold step?
The decline in the church’s influence is clear. In 2009, over a million people attended church weekly, but by 2023, that number had dropped to 693,000. The number of Britons believing in God fell from 75% in 1981 to below 50%. In cities like Manchester, church attendance has plummeted by more than half since the 1990s. In the Bath and Wells diocese, attendance has dropped 60% during this period. Nowadays, there are more practicing Muslims than Anglicans in Britain.
The church’s vast hierarchy reflects its challenges. It’s similar to the Royal Navy having more admirals than ships. There are 108 bishops across 42 dioceses, each with its own bureaucracy. Despite this structure, about 3,500 churches closed in the last decade. Although some lobby to save each parish, their efforts often go unrewarded. An empty church remains just that—empty.
This situation might not matter to the general public except for one key fact: parish churches are not merely religious sites. They are landmarks that often constitute the most striking feature in many British towns and villages. Even if the national church no longer captures the nation’s attention, local churches maintain a significant presence in their communities. These buildings carry historical and cultural value and play a role in charitable activities. Yet, few contribute financially to their upkeep, leaving the Church of England with repair obligations over a billion pounds, and 900 buildings listed as at-risk by Historic England.
Relying solely on small groups of mostly elderly parishioners to maintain these magnificent structures is unrealistic. Churches, especially the unused ones, should be transferred to local communities, similar to the practice in Europe, or they risk falling into disrepair and disappearing like medieval castles.
Simply disbanding the national church will not suffice. Within the Anglican community, a dynamic group is emerging, engaging in grassroots movements reminiscent of early Methodism. These informal groups often gather in homes, under the guidance of lay leaders, forming independent “congregational” churches akin, according to critics, to self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. They operate outside the Anglican hierarchy.
However, this new wave won’t preserve the church buildings. The more vibrant parishes are finding alternative uses, turning spaces into shops, Pilates studios, libraries, gyms, cafes, and food banks. Others have transformed back to places of meditation and relaxation. Like sports centers and museums, these venues should fall under the care of local trusts or councils, supported by local taxes.
While Great Britain can manage its affairs without an official church, local areas feel the impact more profoundly. With high streets in decline and pubs closing, communities face the prospect of an imposing, unused building in their midst. Returning these churches to their original role as community centers would offer a solution. As the Church of England disestablishes nationwide, its local presence should be revitalized.
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