Advertise with Us

Become a Farmers Guardian member

EXCLUSIVE - Stuart Anderson: "In many rural towns and villages, churches are the only buildings in which residents can come together"

South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson writes on the invaluable role of rural churches in farming communities, and why they are currently under threat after the Government slashed annual funding by nearly £20m, in what the Conservatives have dubbed the 'Worship Tax'

Stuart Anderson

09 December 2025 • 3 min read

Image:

Conservative MP Stuart Anderson said: "Churches require the confidence of ongoing financial support to underpin their long-term sustainability. For every £1 invested in a church building, £16 of social good is generated. Churches double up as community support hubs, hosting local projects including food banks, mental health support, and debt advice."

As Christmas approaches, churches will once again be filled with the sound of carols and the smell of mince pies. My constituency of South Shropshire is proudly home to some of the country's most historic...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

Nuffield Conference: Black soldier flies as a waste processing powerhouse

Pressure on Defra to phase out farrowing crates in upcoming Animal Welfare Strategy

Agriculture's National Classifieds

EXCLUSIVE - Stuart Anderson: "In many rural towns and villages, churches are the only buildings in which residents can come together"

South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson writes on the invaluable role of rural churches in farming communities, and why they are currently under threat after the Government slashed annual funding by nearly £20m, in what the Conservatives have dubbed the 'Worship Tax'

Already a member? Login for full access.

More on Farm Life

Maximising opportunities to build a thriving beef enterprise on tenant farm

Farmer donates potatoes to charities and food banks

Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper says kids should still consider farming as a career

Agriculture's National Classifieds

New and Used Farm Machinery

Farm Equipment

Livestock

Farm Property for Sale

EXCLUSIVE - Stuart Anderson: "In many rural towns and villages, churches are the only buildings in which residents can come together"

South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson writes on the invaluable role of rural churches in farming communities, and why they are currently under threat after the Government slashed annual funding by nearly £20m, in what the Conservatives have dubbed the 'Worship Tax'

Share

Already a member? Login for full access.

Previous Article

Next Article

More on Farm Life

Maximising opportunities to build a thriving beef enterprise on tenant farm

Farmer donates potatoes to charities and food banks

Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper says kids should still consider farming as a career