For us all to have a plan for growth for our churches, it's important to have a good understanding of our churches across many areas of mission. Gathering statistics is a key part of understanding the overall picture.
Every year parishes are asked to complete a survey called 'Statistics for Mission' which is collated by the Research & Statistics Department of the Archbishops’ Council. Parishes submit their information through the Church of England’s online Parish Return System, which is designed to improve the way in which the Church of England collects annual parish data.
It is now time for parishes to complete their Statistics for Mission through the Parish Returns website. The deadline for submissions is 31 March 2023. If you have any problems with logging in or submitting your data, please email Rebecca Hathaway.
The data you provide will help the both the National Church of England and us as a diocese when working with and advising our parishes. It also helps us all when setting key mission priorities and when planning mission initiatives and events.
Here Bishop Mark, a self-confessed 'numbers geek' explains the importance of gathering statistics and how numbers can help us to better understand where we are and where we can be in the future.