The Friends exist specifically to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the fabric of this historic church. Anyone, of any faith or none, can become a member of the Friends. The money is held in a separate, dedicated account, and is not used for general church purposes.

Recently, the Friends have paid for the full overhaul of the church's 1,668 pipe organ which is more than 100 years old. The next major project is the restoration of the threatened 'Benson' West Window.

Another recent  project has been  the redecoration and refurbishment of the whole of the church's interior.   There have also been numerous other projects, including a new carved oak notice board, improved lightening protection,  an altar frontal,  and new staging for concerts and other public events.

The Friends task, according to its constitution, is "to maintain, repair, preserve, beautify and reconstruct the church's fabric, its monuments, fixtures, fittings, furniture, stained glass, ornaments as well as its churchyard,  to the benefit of the town’s residents and visitors - a place at the heart of the town for communal activities, including religious worship, civic events and concerts, as well as for moments of quiet and private reflection."  The Friends’ Executive makes sure that all monies under its control are properly and prudently spent. The accounts are presented at the Annual General Meeting.

Anyone, from anywhere, of any faith or none, can be a Friend, regardless of whether they are, or are not, a member of the church. Friends pay a small annual subscription, which gives them:

But the real benefit of being a Friend lies in knowing that one is helping to look after Rye’s landmark church, which plays such an important part in the life of the town – a visual focal point, a visitor attraction, a place for public events, as well as being a centuries-old centre of worship.