For centuries churches have been the focal points of community life as they are used to both glorify God and serve their communities.

But dwindling congregations in the past 50 years mean many are often almost empty while the costs of maintaining them soars.

That is why, two years ago, the Church of England sensibly decided to carry out a wide ranging review of all of its buildings in Brighton and Hove.

The initial results of this survey, published today, are likely to cause enormous controversy and upset.

Church leaders know that to survive in the 21st Century changes must be made and they accept they will not be easy to carry out.

But they must implement these changes carefully and be sensitive to the fears of the faithful for whom these ancient buildings are much more than just bricks and mortar.