“Heritage is not just about bricks and mortar”: Bishops Urge Government to Back Traditional Crafts
Bishop Martin joined the Bishop of Southwark to urge the Government to renew its support for traditional crafts.
In a House of Lords debate, senior bishops warned that government funding cuts to traditional crafts threaten the UK’s heritage and skilled livelihoods, urging renewed support for endangered skills.
The Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun, described the reduction in the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) as “a real body blow”, noting that the Church of England cares for the nation’s largest portfolio of listed buildings, primarily through local parish efforts. He warned that capping support for already-contracted projects is placing vital restoration works at risk, including a £1 million shortfall at Holy Trinity, Clapham, and that another major fabric project in his diocese has been put on hold.
He stressed that churches sustain a wide range of endangered crafts, from stone carving and stained glass to bell founding, organ building, and textiles. Without church commissions and the apprenticeships they support, these skills could disappear.
The Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner, a member of the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England, echoed these concerns, pointing to the multigenerational craftsmanship found in cathedrals like St Paul’s, where today’s masons continue the work of their parents. He spoke of the wider social and economic benefits of heritage projects, from appreciation of history by students from areas with high deprivation, near Rochester and Durham cathedrals, to outreach through cathedral textiles that brings people of all faiths and backgrounds into creative engagement with sacred spaces. Cathedral music, he noted, is even being used effectively in probation services.
Traditions and craftmanship can be seen in many of our churches in the diocese. A recent Fabric of Faith exhibition at St Mary's Church - Eastbourne's ancient church in Old Town, honoured past and present generations by displaying the legacy of their craftsmanship and devotion.The exhibition featured hand-embroidered, restored and renewed vestments, historic liturgical books, and various parish artefacts and history, offering a rich insight into the skill, symbolism, and devotion that have shaped tradition over the years.
In Bexhill on Sea at Saint Peter’s Church a choir of singers both young and old is thriving and singing to a high standard. This is possibly the only Parish Church Choir that sings Choral Evensong throughout the year between between Chichester and Canterbury.
Choral Evensong is music tradition that can be traced back to Christ himself, in his fellowship with his disciples which later evolved into Christian scripture, poetry and doctrine. One of the most effective aspects of Evensong is the way it effortlessly weaves in so much history into an elegantly simple 45 minute form.
The bishops urged the Government to secure and expand future funding for LPWGS, not only to protect historic buildings, but to safeguard the living traditions and skilled people who bring them to life.
“Heritage is not just about bricks and mortar,” the Bishop of Southwark said, “but about the people and communities who flourish when these crafts are nurtured.”
In January 2025, the Minister of State announced that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was being extended for one year (to the end of March 2026) at a reduced amount of £23m and with a new cap of £25k on the amount any place of worship could claim in a year.
Baroness Twycross, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Heritage Minister, stated that following the Spending Review, DCMS is now developing its business plan for their departmental budget.
The Hansard link to the full debate is here: Craft Industry: Support - Hansard - UK Parliament
Bishop of Southwark Hansard debate is here
Bishop of Chichester Hansard debate is here