The Church Buildings Commission

The Church Buildings Commission launched in January 2022 with the purpose of looking at the church buildings across Norfolk and Waveney in terms of their use and sustainability for the future.

The Diocese of Norwich has more medieval churches than any other Diocese. There are over 640 church buildings in Norfolk and Waveney, 95% of which are listed and 50% of which are located in populations of less than 50. The Commission consulted widely and made recommendations on its findings in a report to the Bishop of Norwich and the Bishop’s Council.

“Our churches are historic gems; treasure troves of community memory; story telling places of war and peace, trade and service, the famous and the infamous.; architectural delights with their knapped flint, angel roofs and round towers; and outside in their churchyards, there is often rich biodiversity. Yet in a Diocese with so many church buildings, and small populations in many rural areas, their future sustainability is a concern.”