Context
The Church of England faces challenges with clergy deployment, particularly in rural areas. In Bridlington and The Wolds constituency, 26 churches are covered by just five priests, only three of whom are paid.
Question
I thank the Leader of the House for that answer, and please can he pass my best wishes on to the Second Church Estates Commissioner? In my area, 26 churches are covered by just five priests, and only three of those priests are paid, so I hope that the Leader of the House will join me in thanking all the regular churchgoers who do so much to ensure the maintenance and upkeep of the beautiful churches right across East Yorkshire. Will he do everything he can to ensure that the Church of England attracts more priests into the fold?
Answer from Alan Campbell
I will pass on the hon. Gentleman’s best wishes to the Second Church Estates Commissioner. The position he describes is, I think, not unusual across the country. I certainly join him in thanking regular churchgoers for everything they do for the upkeep of their churches. I will convey his comments to the Second Church Estates Commissioner, and I am sure that she will write to him as soon as possible.
Not addressed: The request for specific actions or commitments from the government to address the shortage of vicars in rural parishes was not directly addressed.
How: Will Convey His Comments, Second Church Estates Commissioner Will Write
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