The Church of England

The Church of England plays a vital role in the life of the nation, proclaiming the Christian gospel in words and actions and providing services of Christian worship and praise.

Its network of parishes cover the country, bringing a vital Christian dimension to the nation as well as strengthening community life in numerous urban, suburban and rural settings. Its cathedrals are centres of spirituality and service, and its network of chaplaincies across continental Europe meet important local needs.

The Church of England plays an active role in national life with its members involved in a wide range of public bodies. Twenty-six bishops are members of the House of Lords and are engaged in debates about legislation and national and international affairs.

The Church of England is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Key facts about the Church of England:
 

Church attendance and visits

• More than 1.7 million people take part in a Church of England service each month, a level that has been maintained since the turn of the millennium. Around one million participate each Sunday.

• More than 2.6 million participate in a Church of England service on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Forty three per cent of the population attend church at Christmas, rising to 48 per cent in London and, nationally, 22 per cent among those of non-Christian faiths.

• In 2005 forty seven per cent of adults attended a church or place of worship for a memorial service for someone who has died and twenty one per cent were seeking a quiet space.  Both these proportions are increases on thirty seven per cent and nineteen per cent respectively in 2003 and twenty nine per cent and twelve per cent respectively in 2001.

• 86 per cent of the population visit  a church  or place of worship in the course of a year , for reasons ranging from participating in worship to attending social events  or simply wanting a quiet space.

• Every year, around 12.5 million people visit Church of England cathedrals, including 300,000 pupils on school visits. Three of England's top five historic 'visitor attractions' are York Minster, Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

Education

• Seven in ten (70%) of the population agree that Church of England schools have a positive role in educating the nation’s children  .

• One in four primary schools and one in 16 secondary schools in England are Church of England schools. Approaching one million pupils are educated in more than 4,700 Church of England schools.

Ministers

• The Church of England has more than 27,000 licensed ministers - including more than 9,000 paid clergy; more than 2,000 non-stipendiary ministers; more than 10,000 Readers; around 5,000 active retired clergy; and 1,100 chaplains in colleges, universities, hospitals, schools, prisons and the armed forces.

Community involvement

• More people do unpaid work for church organisations than any other organisation.  Eight per cent of adults undertake voluntary work for church organisations while sixteen per cent belong to religious or church organisations.  

•  A quarter of regular churchgoers (among both Anglicans and other Christians separately) are involved in voluntary community service outside the church. Churchgoers overall contribute 23.2 million hours voluntary service each month in their local communities outside the church.

• The Church of England provides activities outside church worship in the local community for 375,000 children (aged 5 to 16 years) and 38,000 young people (aged 16 to 25 years). More than 100,000 volunteers run children / young people activity groups sponsored by the Church of England outside church worship.

Church buildings

• Nearly half the population (46%) think that central taxation, local taxation, the National Lottery or English Heritage should be ‘primarily’ responsible for providing money to maintain churches and chapels  . These churches and cathedrals are largely supported by the efforts and financial support of local communities. Often, they are the focus of community life and service.

• Forty-five per cent of the country's Grade I listed buildings are parish churches maintained by the Church of England. There are at least £373 million of major church repairs outstanding, 87% for listed churches.

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