Places of worship remain the largest group of non-domestic buildings still used for the purpose for which they were created. They provide regular worship, social and neighbourhood facilities, practical services and hospitality for local people and an open door for visitors.
The congregations who run them are responsible for raising the funds to keep them fit for use, committing their personal time, money and effort without receiving any financial benefit.
The good condition of the vast majority of places of worship is a tribute to those who care for them but there are some buildings whose condition is demonstrably poor or very bad in that their roofs are leaking, guttering unmaintained or inadequate, and inherent structural problems (e.g. internal imbedded ironwork rusting and splitting).
Many 19th century buildings have reached the point where the materials from which they were made are worn out and significant amounts of fabric need replacing. In some cases small congregations have simply been unable to keep up with basic maintenance so minor difficulties have escalated into major problems. Elsewhere the threat comes from repeated thefts of metal roofing, leaving roofing timbers and the contents of the building unprotected from the elements. Others are facing difficulties relating to climate change; flooding, subsidence, extreme wind or rain storms.
The inclusion of places of worship in the Heritage at Risk Register is recognition that some of these complex and highly significant buildings are facing challenges which are beyond the resources of their congregations and local communities. Only a few such cases are included in this year's Register but in the years to come, in partnership with denominations, faith groups, local authorities, amenity societies and the public, we shall build up a better understanding of where there are urgent problems.
