Ministry Issues for the Church of England: Mapping the Trends

Volume 1 is substantially written by the author. The introduction explains the genesis of the Report - a call for a strategic national overview of the whole range of Ministry issues. Chapter 1 highlights key aspects of the changes in the contexts during the last two decades. These include church attendance, culture, mission, youth, women, laity, clergy numbers, finance and the national organisation of the Church of England. Chapter 2 describes the research methods. These included documentary material, field work throughout the country and beyond, and close collaboration with numerous colleagues. Chapter 3 employs papers from sociological and theological contributors on aspects of the history and theology of ordained ministry. This includes recent ecumenical developments. Chapter 4 provides both text and analysis of the little-known Canons, Regulations and especially Bishops' Statements of 1978, 1992 and 1994. Major themes emerge. Chapter 5 provides a historical survey of key events and reports on ministry strategy since 1964. These indicate important national developments, and, of special significance, emerging common patterns in diocesan strategies. Chapter 6 explains how areas of current uncertainty about finance, the law of employment and data protection, clergy numbers and ministry development affect strategic thinking. There are also four Working Parties now preparing major Reports. Chapter 7 addresses the unchanging aspects and the changing role of the stipendiary clergy, especially the episcopal, missionary and managerial elements. Chapter 8 offers Conclusions about a vision of the Church, the present key planks of strategy, and seven areas where strategic development could be pursued. Finally, I propose Recommendations for a way ahead. Volume 2 starts with Chapter 9. This consists of brief essays in thirty-five key areas. The expert contributors have mapped the situation at present and often offered some historical perspective. They have frequently pointed up issues to be addressed and listed the vital Reports etc. for those who need more detail. Crucial statistics are given at various points with numerous Tables, graphs and diagrams. The Bibliography includes all works cited in the Report, and other books etc. found useful in the years of writing. Appendices offer detailed information on 19 areas.