Closed and Closing Churches

For any number of reasons, it is sometimes necessary for a church building to close as a place of worship.   The Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011 (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukcm/2011/3/contents ) is also the mechanism for dealing with such closures.

No decision on closure is taken lightly and will involve consultation with those most involved and with the wider community.  A Pastoral Scheme from the Church Commissioners is required for a church building to close for public worship.  Reaching this stage will take some considerable length of time.  Finding a new use for the building post-closure is also a lengthy process which is largely handled by the Church Commissioners. 

More information on processes and procedures may be found at https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/parish-reorganisation-and-closed-church-buildings/closed-churches  For those looking to purchase a closed church building, the Church Commissioners advertise those that are currently available at https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/parish-reorganisation-and-church-property/closed-churches/closed-church-buildings