Church of the Papal Mainframe

The Church of the Papal Mainframe, also known as the Church, is a fictional religious group in the British science-fiction television series Doctor Who. Members of the Church first appeared in the 2010 episodes "The Time of Angels" and "Flesh and Stone", with the Church serving as recurring characters throughout the show. In-universe, the Church is an interstellar, militant church hailing from the 51st century, acting as a "security hub" in the universe. Members of its army utilise religious terminology, with members being referred to as "Clerics", though other ranks exist. The Church has many different allies throughout the show, including the Silents, creatures that, in-universe, a viewer forgets once they look away from a Silent. A splinter group of the Church, dubbed the "Kovarian Chapter" or "The Silence", serve as recurring antagonists, aiming to kill the Eleventh Doctor.

Created by Steven Moffat, the Church has been analysed for its satire of the Church of England, as well as for its portrayal of religion, Anglicanism, and the Church of England's fate in the far future. The Silence's role within the series has also been analysed in relation to the Church.