PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Church of England (5 April 2019)

To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to ensure the evangelical makeup of its congregations is reflected in the custom and practices of the Church's leadership.

Asked by:
Sir John Hayes (Conservative)

The traditions of individuals and congregations in the Church of England is not always easily identifiable, and it is often very difficult to label individuals and congregations accordingly. However, the Church is aware of its diversity of traditions and is committed to the growth of the whole Church. A key factor in all senior appointments is the energy candidates bring to evangelism and encouraging confident Christian witness, and of course, different candidates will step into this space in different ways.

The Church’s Strategic Learning Community and Senior Leadership Development programmes have been created to bring together clergy from across the church, from all traditions and backgrounds. More information about this work can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/renewal-reform/nurturing-senior-leaders However, it is worth noting that both of the current Archbishops identify as having come from an evangelical background, as well as many other diocesan bishops in the Church of England.

Answered by:
Dame Caroline Spelman (Conservative)
9 April 2019