As a member of Monty Python, Sir Michael Palin revelled in playing characters including the Boring Prophet, Pontius Pilate and one of the three wise men in the Life of Brian.
Now he has joined an altogether different holy crusade: a movement geared towards protecting the future of UK churches.
Expressing his concern about places of worship falling into disrepair, Palin, 78, said they formed a vital part of the country’s history, as he put his weight behind the National Churches Trust’s (NCT) campaign to preserve the sites.
Palin, who is vice-president of the organisation, said: “Churches remain a vital and much-loved part of the UK’s heritage and we can’t let them fall into neglect and disuse.
“There is hope. More and more churches are adapting to the modern world, providing not just spiritual comforts but a range of valuable services to local people such as food banks and youth clubs.
“We must build on this and encourage people of all backgrounds to find hope and relevance in their local churches.”
The NCT began what it describes as a debate to highlight the struggles of buildings around the country after warning an increasing number are facing closure.
The future of churches debate will highlight “the community, economic, heritage and spiritual benefits of churches”, the charity said.
Palin said: “If you care as much as I do about the future of these much-loved buildings, do get involved with the debate about the future of churches and help to shape their future.”
The number of churches open and being used for worship has fallen from about 42,000 to 39,800 in the past ten years, the NCT said. The closure rate has been particularly acute in some inner-city areas.
At its peak, in 1941, the Church of England had 18,666 churches. That number is set to fall below 16,000.
A survey found that 12 dioceses were considering up to five closures in the next two to five years.
Nine planned six to 12, and five planned up to 40. “That’s anything between 131 and 368,” said the Friends of Friendless Churches, which looks after 59 “redundant but beautiful” places of worship.