WORCESTER churches and the city’s landmark Cathedral have benefitted from more than £200,000 to support the conservation of their buildings and sites of worship.
Nearly 5,000 religious buildings across the United Kingdom have received a share of up to £42million in public funding ahead of this year’s festive celebrations, as the Government continues its support for the conservation of listed places of worship across the country.
An estimated one million people recently attended Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services over the recent festive period, potentially at one of the 4,900 places of worship which have benefited from Government support over the last year to ease the cost of essential conservation and maintenance work.
Worcester Cathedral is among the biggest beneficiaries with £35,418.68 while St Helens Church is the biggest of Worcester’s five churches to benefit with a staggering £125,391.07.
Lowesmoor’s Lifehouse Elim Pentecostal Church scooped £23,532.58 while St Swithun’s Church began the new year in style with a £9,181.79 cash boost.
The fund paid £4,329.30 to the Church of St John Baptist and £2,461.06 for St Martins Church.
Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “We are all aware in Worcester, or we should be, of the immense value of religious sites including the Cathedral and our many other churches.
“Not only do they enable the provision of religious services, but they enhance our communities both physically and spiritually.
“These buildings host community groups, provide charitable aid, help tackle loneliness, and add to the cultural fabric of our city.
“I was again privileged to be invited to give a reading at the Cathedral in 2023 for their Christmas service, and even that service was enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike.
“Unfortunately places of worship have seen increased cost pressures alongside non-religious organisations, and I am glad the government is helping ensure they can continue to remain at the heart of our community.”
Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “As churches across the country fill up for Nativity plays and Christmas services, it’s a reminder of the huge role that they and other places of worship play in the lives of their community.
“The Listed Places of Worship Scheme supports these precious buildings, which are cherished by people of all faiths and none.
“With nearly 5,000 supported over the past year alone, I’m glad to see the difference it has made to visitors, worshippers, and the people who look after them for the benefit of future generations.”
