Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 September 2026. A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 17 September 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Marsha De Cordova (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Clergy

Question: To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church of England has made of the effectiveness of the Save the Parish led Consultation at St George’s House entitled ‘Parish Ministry: Addressing the Crisis in Stipendiary Clergy Numbers in the Church of England’.

Answer

We are grateful to all those who seek to support the Church in its service to this nation, including 'Save the Parish' (StP) for their recent consultation and subsequent report. The Lord Bishop of Chester, who chairs the Church’s Ministry Board (MDB), attended the launch of the report.

The issues raised are under active consideration. Many of those raised by Save the Parish are already a focus of specific and ongoing work in the Church (for example, the ‘Called’ campaign, or the review of ordinand support). The Bishop of Chester has asked for ongoing conversation with Save the Parish to clarify some of the suggestions made in the report and remains grateful for their focus in highlighting some key issues.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 27884
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Clergy
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Clergy

Secondary information

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