English Heritage is researching the physical condition of historic places of worship - and is concerned about the future of some historic buildings of wide civic value and interest.
A new Church of Scotland publication is urging its congregations to make more creative multi-purpose use of their buildings, instead of only using them for services once or twice a week.
The UK government's Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, has suggested that church buildings not viable for small congregations could be turned into gyms, restaurants and multi-faith centres for local communities.