There is one sure way to save our ailing churches – give them away | Simon Jenkins

As desanctified, secularised buildings owned by the community or local trusts, ailing churches may just survive

There is no way it looks good. Two thousand medieval churches in England have fewer than 10 worshippers, and 8,000 more can barely muster 20. More Muslims go to mosques than Anglicans go to church. Yet almost all are listed as historic. These lovely buildings are simply emptying. Doors are locked. Grass grows in churchyards.

More than 900 churches are now on the English Heritage...