Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Engagement with Children and Young People

Thursday 16 November 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Church of England aims to double the number of active young disciples by 2030
  • Over 60 million has been awarded to five dioceses to support these efforts
  • Strategic mission and ministry investment board funds organisations connecting with young people through community projects

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Religion & Faith
Context

The question follows recent progress made by the Church of England to increase engagement with youth. It aims to assess specific actions taken towards this goal.

Question

What recent progress has the Church of England made on increasing engagement with children and young people? This is important as it reflects efforts to create a more youthful and diverse church environment.

Answer from Andrew Selous

My hon. Friend is right to focus on this issue; the Church of England aims to double the number of children and young active disciples by 2030. Over £60 million has been awarded to five dioceses in support of these efforts.

Answered
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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Religion & Faith
Context

The question builds on previous progress noted and seeks specific plans or initiatives beyond current efforts to increase youth engagement.

Question

Recently, 12 young people from St Mary's church in Kenton and St Lawrence's church in Stanmore were confirmed. While this demonstrates attraction to the church, what further measures can be taken to attract younger individuals?

Answer from Andrew Selous

I am delighted about the confirmation event at St Mary's and St Lawrence's. The £60 million investment is yielding good results across the Church, indicating that more needs to be done in line with these promising developments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: additional specific steps or measures beyond current efforts

How: More Needs To Be Done

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Religion & Faith
Context

The question addresses declining Sunday school attendance figures among under-16s and seeks innovative strategies to engage younger generations.

Question

Sunday school attendance for under-16s has dropped below 100,000. Although the Church is reaching out to young people, are there plans to adopt different methods to attract them?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The hon. Gentleman is correct; the strategic mission and ministry investment board invests in organisations connecting well with young people through community projects, resulting in increased church attendance among this demographic.

Answered
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