The BBC reports that rural churches already struggling financially have been hit by rising energy costs, according to a church treasurer

Richard Jones said Holy Trinity Church in the Shropshire village of Yockleton, was among those under pressure.

He said ultimately churches were "in danger" of closing if they could not afford to meet their costs.

Hundreds of churches receive hardship grants, and some applied for funding through schemes to become warm hubs.

Holy Trinity is one of the northern most parishes within the Diocese of Hereford and is close to the Welsh border.

It partly raises funds via donations through the Parish Giving Scheme, and also holds fundraising events towards running costs.

Mr Jones, the parochial church council (PCC) treasurer, said:

“If we can't pay our way then we can't pay for our priest and the church would close”.

But there were a lot of rural churches dotted around and all seemed to be facing pressures, he said. "Rural churches are struggling financially anyway, the escalating cost of energy is a serious concern," he said. "Most of our churches are generally lofty buildings and very difficult and expensive to heat so we have a constant financial problem."

Full article:

BBC - Cost of living: 'Struggling' rural churches hit by energy costs