Churches and Christian charities across England could be delivering as many as 250,000 community services every week, according to new research highlighting the Church’s extensive contribution to society. The report,which examined churches and Christian organisations in 25 local authority areas, identified thousands of activities including food banks, debt advice, youth groups, mental health support, homelessness services, and initiatives tackling loneliness. Around half of the provision identified supports children and families, while services are offered to people of all faiths and none. Church leaders say Christian communities frequently fill gaps where statutory services are overstretched, with some churches working together across towns to provide coordinated support. The report, which has been presented to a parliamentary group in Westminster, calls for greater recognition of the Church’s contribution and stronger partnerships between churches, government, charities and other organisations to strengthen communities and relieve pressure on public services.