Parish Ministry 2023-11-16
2023-11-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Church of England faces challenges in supporting its parish ministry, and there is a need to provide financial assistance and reduce administrative burdens.
What steps the Church of England is taking to support its parish ministry. The Church Commissioners are distributing £1.2 billion between 2023 and 2025 to support our mission and ministry. This is a 30% increase on the previous three-year period, and a significant share of that funding will be distributed through dioceses to strengthen our parishes.
Parish ministry is at the very heart of the Church's mission. The Church Commissioners are distributing £1.2 billion between 2023 and 2025 to support our mission and ministry. This is a 30% increase on the previous three-year period, and a significant share of that funding will be distributed through dioceses to strengthen our parishes.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Clergy in the Church of England face significant administrative tasks which detract from their ability to interact with parishioners and spread the gospel.
What can the Church hierarchy do to remove administrative burdens from the clergy, so they can spend more time in their community spreading the best message ever told: the gospel of Jesus Christ?
I think we all recognise that, in any position of public responsibility, there comes a need for some administrative work, but I very much agree with my hon. Friend that we should be freeing up our clergy and parish staff as much as possible to interact with their parishioners and to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.
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Assessment & feedback
specific actions or commitments to reduce administrative burdens were not provided
I Think We All Recognise That, In Any Position Of Public Responsibility, There Comes A Need For Some Administrative Work
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Lincoln is predominantly a rural diocese where many clergy serve multiple parishes, leading to concerns about the availability of clergy in these areas.
Last Saturday I was privileged to attend the enthronement of the new Bishop of Lincoln, at which there was a vast array of clergy in all their finery. It was a very grand occasion. Lincoln is a predominantly rural diocese and many of the clergy serve five, six or more parishes. Can my hon. Friend reassure me that the Church will focus on providing more clergy to rural areas?
I am delighted that my hon. Friend was able to attend the consecration of the new Bishop of Lincoln. Consecrations are, indeed, very splendid affairs. My hon. Friend is completely right that the beating heart of the Church of England is what goes on in the parishes. Rural areas really matter, as does every part of the country. I assure him that we will not forget rural areas, and I recognise the problems of large benefices.
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Assessment & feedback
specific commitments or actions to provide more clergy for rural areas were not provided
I Am Delighted That My Hon. Friend Was Able To Attend The Consecration Of The New Bishop Of Lincoln
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
St Augustine's church in Heanton Punchardon is without a rector, but Sharon Newcombe has been providing service to the church through singing in the choir for over 51 years.
We also have rural churches in North Devon, and St Augustine's church in Heanton Punchardon is without a rector. Will my hon. Friend join me in recognising and congratulating Sharon Newcombe of Pilton on the service she has provided to that church, where she has sung in the choir for over 51 years?
I am sure the whole House will join me in thanking Sharon Newcombe for her fantastic service to her local church and local community. Fifty-one years' service to her local church is extremely impressive, and we are very grateful to her.
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