Martin Dales, a leading lay member of the church's parliament, has had a private members motion on what he calls "these iniquitous charges" given the go-ahead for discussion.
Anglican "MPs" will debate the issue against a backdrop of a petition on the Downing Street website protesting at the swingeing increases - from £80 to £800 - having attracted thousands of signatures.
The bills have increased because some water companies now charge churches the full cost of draining away the rain that falls on to their roofs. In the past the calculation was based on their rateable value - which was often near zero. Mr Dales, of the York diocese, said: "It is quite clear that these iniquitous charges for surface-water and highway drainage are causing huge problems for many churches, charities, sports clubs, and scout groups which already face serious financial funding problems due to the economic downturn."
Mr Dales, a 53-year-old freelance musician, teacher and composer, went on: "I am very surprised that the Government has not made an effort to address the situation, despite numerous requests and the 40,000 signature petition on the Downing Street website.
"It seems that Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), Ofwat (the water services regulation authority) and the water companies are continuously passing the buck with the mantra 'it's fairer for everyone' being the on-message response when it patently is not at all fair."
Mr Dales, a former mayor of Malton, North Yorkshire, added: "The Government talks about the importance of faith-based and voluntary sector organisation in terms of social responsibility and the conscience of the nation, but introduced the measure without a thought of the demoralising effect on clergy, churchwardens and volunteers."
