Holy Orders Candidates 2022-04-28
2022-04-28
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific background context provided other than the Church of England's interest in increasing the number of candidates.
To ask the hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to increase the number of candidates entering Holy Orders.
In 2020, we saw the largest number of people presenting for ordination in a decade, following a sustained commitment by the church to increase vocations, especially from global majority heritage candidates and women. There was a 14% increase in 2020, compared with 2019, and although the pandemic has caused a temporary reduction, we believe that the numbers will soon return to pre-pandemic levels.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or mechanisms not detailed; only mentions increase in numbers without explaining how it was achieved.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific background context provided other than the questioner's interest in understanding what motivates clergy.
What do clergy say is the most rewarding aspect of their ministry, and might that be used to encourage others to take Holy Orders?
Clergy deserve our thanks for all they do to promote spiritual and material wellbeing and especially for what they did during the pandemic, which massively increased demands on them. To answer my right hon. Friend's question, many would say that the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus in teaching worship and in service to others inspires them, and what a privilege it is to be present at the most significant moments of a family's life, whether that be baptism, marriage, comforting the dying or a funeral.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not provide specific ways this could inspire others; focuses on praise for clergy efforts during pandemic and general descriptions.
Response accuracy