The local church has historically played an important role in the UK. In medieval times, long before the Welfare State was set up, the local church provided healthcare and education to the British people. Today, it still plays a key role in the local community and is important because:

• It provides support to people, looks after families, providing activities and teaching for children and teenagers.
• It does valuable charity work within the community, feeding the hungry through food banks, providing accommodation for the homeless and helping addicts in their recovery journey.
• It unites the local community, bringing them together with a sense of purpose.
• It provides a sense of identity and belonging.
• Local community church leaders, such as vicars and priests, are viewed as sources of authority. They can offer guidance to people based on biblical teachings.