Giles Fraser is customarily provocative on the subject of England’s churches (We must do to our churches what Beeching did to the railways, Loose canon, 16 October). But he must be careful what he wishes for. Blowing up beautiful buildings that are the spiritual investment of generations hardly sounds like succour for our national soul. Our parish churches and cathedrals are an outstanding contribution to the nation’s cultural heritage. Looking after them presents a great challenge. The Church of England is already making great progress with social and economic adaptations and returning many churches to hubs of community life, but responsibility does not lie with the church alone. One reason church buildings are listed and protected is that they are integral to England’s landscape and visual identity. These are key to the nation’s economic, cultural and spiritual wellbeing. They are worth looking after, for everyone, and for generations to come.
Duncan Wilson
Chief executive, Historic England
