Published: 20.10.2026
The .church zone is a generic extension for churches and religious communities of many kinds, from parish churches and small congregations to church schools, choirs and charitable groups linked to a congregation. A name in .church tells visitors what the site is about before they read a word, which helps people looking for services, events or community support. Each community defines its own beliefs and identity, and the address simply labels its work. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .church is still available.
Check if a .church domain is available .church Check
A short history
Churches and congregations have been part of many towns and villages for a very long time. Their buildings, music and social work have shaped local life, and over the years they have used noticeboards, printed newsletters and, more recently, websites to share service times and news. The .church extension is a generic ending that can be used by communities of many traditions, and it lets each one state its name and purpose in a short address.
Who runs it
A registry operator runs the zone, publishes its policy and maintains the database of names. Registrars sell names to customers and send the orders on. Religious communities should check whether their governing body or denomination has its own guidance on online addresses, because the decision about a domain may need to pass through that body.
Rules in practice
- Registrant: the registrant should be the parish, congregation or trust responsible for the site, not one volunteer who may move on.
- Operator terms: the zone follows the operator's acceptable use policy, so check it before you publish content.
- Characters: names use letters, digits and hyphens, with a label of up to 63 characters.
- Continuity: record the expiry date with the parish office, so the address stays with the community over the years.
Who uses .church
- Parishes and local congregations that share service times, news and contact details.
- Church schools, youth groups and choirs that publish their programmes.
- Charitable projects linked to a congregation, such as food support or community meals.
- Denominational networks, retreat centres and study groups that bring people together for teaching and fellowship.
Strengths
- The word names the type of community at once, which helps newcomers and visitors find the right place.
- It is easy to read on a noticeboard, a banner or the front of a hall.
- A short address suits printed leaflets, invitations and letters to families.
Things to keep in mind
- Visitors come from many backgrounds, so write about the community in plain and welcoming language.
- Children and young people take part in many church activities, so explain your safeguarding arrangements clearly where they apply, and follow local law.
- Many congregations share similar names, so a town or district name helps people find the right one.
- Some people will still type .org or .com first, so consider whether you want more than one address.
Tips before you register
- Check the name in .com and .org and on the local directories and social pages that people already use.
- Register the legal name of the congregation exactly as it appears in its governing papers.
- Publish service times, contact details and a privacy notice for anyone who shares personal data with you.
- Add mail authentication records before you send newsletters or rota emails from the domain.
- Name at least two responsible people for the registrar account, so the address is never left unmanaged.
Frequently asked questions
Can a small congregation use .church, or is it only for large organisations? Any community that meets the zone's terms can register a name, and a small congregation may find a short address especially useful.
Does .church help a parish appear in local search? It may help people understand the topic, but accurate service times, a complete listing and local reviews matter more.
What should happen to an older website address when we move to .church? Keep it working for a while and point it to the new address, so that visitors and printed materials still reach the community.
