Church of England to invest millions in mission and church growth

 (Photo: Facebook/Diocese of Leeds)

Up to £155m is being earmarked by the Church of England to drive forward growth, protect its historic cathedrals for future generations, and increase its presence in underprivileged areas.

The funding plans, which are subject to final approval by Church Commissioners meeting next week, also seek to increase the number of people training for the priesthood over the next three years.

The investment proposals have been drawn up under the Church's Renewal & Renewal programme to boost growth across the country.

As part of this programme, the Church is part way through an ambitious drive to increase candidates for ordination by 50 per cent.  

Some of the funds will go towards building on the success of this drive in the last two years, which has already seen a 23 per cent increase in the number of people starting training for ordination to the priesthood. 

Up to £63m will be invested in ministry growth to cover the full additional costs of training ordinands between 2020 and 2022. 

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said: "Our ongoing and new investments underline our commitment to supporting the growth of God's Kingdom, so that more people can come to know the hope of Jesus Christ in their lives.

"The funding strengthens the ability for the whole of the Church to bear increased witness and extend Christian love and service in the many and varied communities it serves."

Under the plans, dioceses will receive funding to support church growth programmes as well as mission and outreach in low income communities and areas with the greatest financial need.  Schemes that offer affordable housing and tackle poverty are some of those that will benefit from up to £20m in social impact investment.

Cathedrals, many of which have enjoyed increasing attendance rates in the last decade, are to receive up to £10m to help them develop financial sustainability strategies.  Those that are experiencing financial difficulty will benefit from an additional commitment of £10m in support.

Loretta Minghella, the First Church Estates Commissioner, who has responsibility for the investment portfolio, said the fresh round of funding "takes the growth of the Church into its next phase".

"Our intention is to continue playing our historic role in sustaining and growing the Church so that, in God's grace, the Good News of the Risen Christ will transform many more thousands of lives," she said. 

Canon John Spence, Finance Chair of the Archbishops' Council said: "The Renewal and Reform agenda is all about the centre of the church supporting our parishes and dioceses in the critical work they are undertaking to bring the joy of Christ into the centre of their communities.

"Achievements in the last five years have been seen in many ways - numbers of ordinands, reach of our digital activity, and the many new strategic projects, to name just a few.

"These funds will enable that progress to be scaled up with sustained impact."

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Let’s encourage our churches to support and pray for their elected representatives
Let’s encourage our churches to support and pray for their elected representatives

Last week’s elections confirm that people have lost trust in both the system and the politicians - and the fragmentation that exists in British politics. 

Church of England celebrates continued post-pandemic growth
Church of England celebrates continued post-pandemic growth

The Church said it was encouraged by five years in a row of growth while acknowledging that growth, attendance and participation remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Christians among main victims of Islamist violence in eastern DRC
Christians among main victims of Islamist violence in eastern DRC

Christians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are facing escalating violence from an Islamic State-linked militant group accused of massacres, abductions and systematic terror attacks across villages and churches, according to a major new Amnesty International report.

World Cup 2026 mission campaign aims to mobilise 10,000 churches
World Cup 2026 mission campaign aims to mobilise 10,000 churches

Evangelism and discipleship ministry Cru is hoping to mobilise 10,000 churches to spread the gospel during this summer’s World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico.