A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Church rates were taxes collected by churchwardens and other representatives of a parish to raise funds for the repair and maintenance of the parish church. This was a historical practice in Ecclesiastical law.

Example: In the past, if you were a member of a parish, you would have to pay a church rate to help maintain the church building. This was a way for the community to contribute to the upkeep of their place of worship.

Explanation: Church rates were a way for the church to raise funds for the upkeep of their building. It was a tax that was collected from members of the parish, and the money was used to repair and maintain the church. This was an important practice in the past, as the church was often the center of the community and a place of worship for many people.