The title of my blog post and video today is, why are churches burning down in the UK? Over the past few days, reports of churches burning in the UK have been trending on social media. What first appeared on X (formerly Twitter) quickly led many people to ask serious questions: Why are churches burning down? Is this coincidence, neglect, or something more?
One of the most widely reported incidents involved King’s Hall Methodist Church in Southall, West London. According to reports, around 10 fire engines and 70 firefighters were called to the scene after flames engulfed part of the building. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
There have also been reports of other church fires in Northampton and Scotland. In some cases, buildings had been empty for years. In others, investigations are ongoing. As always, it is important not to speculate beyond confirmed facts.
The Reaction on Social Media
Many posts online suggest that churches across the United Kingdom are being burned down with little mainstream coverage. Some users claim there is silence from government officials. Others point to similar incidents in parts of Europe, particularly France, where historic churches have also suffered damage in recent years.
It is understandable that Christians feel concerned. Churches often represent more than bricks and mortar — they carry history, memory, and community identity.
But as believers, our response must be grounded in Scripture, not emotion.
The Church Is More Than a Building
While it is always sad to see an old building destroyed, the Bible reminds us that the true Church is not a physical structure.
1 Corinthians 3:16 tells us that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Church is the body of Christ — living, breathing believers filled with His Spirit.
Buildings can burn. History can be damaged. But the Kingdom of God cannot be shaken.
As Hebrews 12:28–29 says:
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”
That fire is not destruction — it is holiness and power.
Jesus Warned Us About Opposition
In John 15:18–20, Jesus said:
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you… If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”
Persecution is not new. Hostility toward Christian faith has existed since the early Church. That does not mean we jump to conclusions about every incident — but it does mean we should not be surprised when opposition arises.
As I have written before in A Quiet Revival: Why Bible Sales Are Rising in the UK, there are signs that spiritual hunger is increasing in Britain. Interestingly, opposition and revival often rise side by side.
How Should Christians Respond?
This is perhaps the most important question.
Romans 12:17–21 gives clear instruction:
“Repay no one evil for evil… Beloved, do not avenge yourselves… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The battle belongs to the Lord. We are called to live peaceably, to pray, and to stand firm in truth without hatred or revenge.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. That perspective changes how we speak and act.
Nothing Can Separate Us
Romans 8:35–39 offers powerful reassurance:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution…? …Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Not fire, persecution or distress. Nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
That is our anchor.
A Call to Prayer for the UK
Rather than respond with anger, this is a time for prayer. It’s good to pray for truth, wisdom, revival and protection over churches and communities.
In Christmas: The Reason for the Season, I wrote about the enduring hope found in Christ. That hope does not disappear when buildings fall. It remains eternal.
If you have never placed your trust in Jesus Christ, I encourage you to consider what it means to be born again. When the Spirit of God comes to dwell within, everything changes. It’s good to pray for truth, wisdom, revival and protection over churches and communities
Church buildings may burn. But the Church of Jesus Christ stands.
If you would like to watch the full video discussion, you can find it on the A Countryman’s View YouTube channel. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments, and above all, let us remain rooted in Christ.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken…” – Hebrews 12:28