Parish church

A parish church, in Christianity, is the church which acts as the religious centre of a parish, the basic administrative unit of episcopal churches. In many parts of the world, especially in rural areas, the parish church is fundamental to the life of the community.

Related Topics:
Christianity - Church - Parish

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The church building reflects this status, and there is considerable variety in the size and style of parish churches. Many villages in Europe have churches that date back to the Middle Ages, but all periods of architecture are represented.

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Larger towns and cities, even those with cathedrals, still have parishes and parish churches. However, by the late 20th and early 21st century, with the decline in the number of worshippers and the shortage of parish priests, there has been a trend towards team/shared ministry and many parish churches no longer have a service every Sunday.

Related Topics:
Cathedral - 20th - 21st century

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Some notable parish churches in Britain:

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:St Peter's Church, Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire (Saxon tower)

Related Topics:
Barton-upon-Humber - North Lincolnshire - Saxon

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:St Botolph's Church, Boston, Lincolnshire

Related Topics:
St Botolph's Church - Boston - Lincolnshire

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:St Mary Redcliffe's Church, Bristol

Related Topics:
St Mary Redcliffe's Church - Bristol

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:St Martin's Church, Canterbury, Kent (oldest church in England)

Related Topics:
Canterbury - Kent

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:St Wulfram's Church, Grantham, Lincolnshire (14th century spire)

Related Topics:
Grantham - 14th century

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:St Michael's Church, Lewes, Sussex (round tower)

Related Topics:
Lewes - Sussex

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:St Illtyd's Church, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan (medieval wall paintings)

Related Topics:
St Illtyd's Church, Llantwit Major - Vale of Glamorgan

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:St Andrew's Church, Plymouth, Devon (rebuilt after World War II)

Related Topics:
Plymouth - Devon - World War II

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:Holy Trinity Church, Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire (claims to be the largest parish church in the country)

Related Topics:
Kingston upon Hull - Yorkshire

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