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1196249

registered interest
date	15/05/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Church Services: Attendance
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what is the average church attendance each week in (a) Rother Valley Constituency, (b) Yorkshire, and (c) England in each year of the last five years.
tabling member constituency	Rother Valley
tabling member printed	Alexander Stafford
uin	47487
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/05/2020 answer text <p>The most recent survey of church attendance was published in 2018, and the table below contains figures aggregated from 2014-18 using average weekly attendance figures at all age services. These figures are collected each year during four weeks in October.</p><p>The figures in the table below include adult and child attendance at Sunday and midweek church services and fresh expressions, but not attendance at services for schools. Special local services such as memorials to commemorate flooding – can lead to fluctuations in the figures.</p><table><tbody><tr><td><p> </p></td><td><p>2014</p></td><td><p>2015</p></td><td><p>2016</p></td><td><p>2017</p></td><td><p>2018</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Rother Valley*</p></td><td><p>1,450</p></td><td><p>1,260</p></td><td><p>1,170</p></td><td><p>1,130</p></td><td><p>980</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Yorkshire*</p></td><td><p>82,600</p></td><td><p>82,800</p></td><td><p>77,600</p></td><td><p>75,500</p></td><td><p>75,200</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Church of England</p></td><td><p>975,300</p></td><td><p>959,900</p></td><td><p>921,700</p></td><td><p>893,900</p></td><td><p>870,900</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>More information can be found in the annual Statistics for Mission report: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media/18763" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media/18763</a></p><p>Parish boundaries do not coincide with constituency or county boundaries. Figures in the table are based on reasonable approximations as follows:</p><ul><li>The Rother Valley figure refers to the parishes in the Deanery of Laughton along with the parishes of Whiston and Wickersley.</li><li>The Yorkshire figure refers to the Dioceses of York, Leeds, and Sheffield.</li></ul> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 19/05/2020 17:10:19 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	4866 label Biography information for Alexander Stafford

1195763

registered interest
date	13/05/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Churches: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with the Diocese of Hereford on lost revenues resulting from the closure of places of worship during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	The Wrekin
tabling member printed	Mark Pritchard
uin	46581
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>The Church Commissioners and National Church Institutions are in discussions with dioceses during this challenging period, including on the evolving financial impact. A series of structured interviews have been held with every diocese, including with the Diocese of Hereford at the end of April. Though too early for detailed conclusions, it was clear that the financial challenges will be significant.</p><p> </p><p>The Church announced a national package of financial support for dioceses on 27 March, providing funds to support liquidity in dioceses where this was needed, with a further announcement following on 14 May. See: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/churchofengland.org/update-financial-support-for-dioceses-and-cathedrals-in-light-of-the-coronavirus?e=fbaf3379f3" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/churchofengland.org/update-financial-support-for-dioceses-and-cathedrals-in-light-of-the-coronavirus?e=fbaf3379f3</a> We are continuing to consider how best dioceses can be further supported in terms of both immediate needs, and in strengthening their long-term missional health and financial sustainability</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 18/05/2020 16:10:25 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	1576 label Biography information for Mark Pritchard

1195764

registered interest
date	13/05/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Churches: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with the Diocese of Lichfield on lost revenues resulting from the closure of places of worship during the covid-19 outbreak.
tabling member constituency	The Wrekin
tabling member printed	Mark Pritchard
uin	46582
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>The Church Commissioners and National Church Institutions are in discussions with dioceses during this challenging period, including on the evolving financial impact. A series of structured interviews have been held with every diocese, including with the Diocese of Lichfield at the beginning of May. Though too early for detailed conclusions, it was clear that the financial challenges will be significant.</p><p> </p><p>The Church announced a national package of financial support for dioceses on 27 March, providing funds to support liquidity in dioceses where this was needed, with a further announcement following on 14 May. See: <a href="https://mailchi.mp/churchofengland.org/update-financial-support-for-dioceses-and-cathedrals-in-light-of-the-coronavirus?e=fbaf3379f3" target="_blank">https://mailchi.mp/churchofengland.org/update-financial-support-for-dioceses-and-cathedrals-in-light-of-the-coronavirus?e=fbaf3379f3</a> We are continuing to consider how best dioceses can be further supported in terms of both immediate needs, and in strengthening their long-term missional health and financial sustainability</p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 18/05/2020 16:09:45 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	1576 label Biography information for Mark Pritchard

1194222

registered interest
date	11/05/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Churches: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is planning to take to allow it to reopen churches as soon as possible while limiting the risk of spreading covid-19.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	45018
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>The Church of England is committed to the reopening of buildings in a phased way, in accordance with the rules, restrictions and timetable established by Government. On 5<sup>th</sup> May the House of Bishops issued guidance, which can be seen here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>We are working with Government and with representatives of the heritage planning sector to assess the need for building adaptations related to public safety in our cathedral and church buildings, and in particular temporary additions or changes that might need to be made to enable social distancing and proper hygiene. We are committed to enabling our churches and cathedrals to make such changes as might be needed to allow them to reopen safely.</p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 18/05/2020 16:06:28 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous previous answer version 21588 answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1194322

registered interest
date	11/05/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Churches: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps is the Government taking to work with churches and dioceses to ensure the safe opening of churches for religious worship.
tabling member constituency	Bosworth
tabling member printed	Dr Luke Evans
uin	45480
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/05/2020 answer text <p>The Church of England is committed to the reopening of buildings in a phased way, in accordance with the rules, restrictions and timetable established by Government. On 5<sup>th</sup> May the House of Bishops issued guidance, which can be seen here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>We are working with Government and with representatives of the heritage planning sector to assess the need for building adaptations related to public safety in our cathedral and church buildings, and in particular temporary additions or changes that might need to be made to enable social distancing and proper hygiene. We are committed to enabling our churches and cathedrals to make such changes as might be needed to allow them to reopen safely.</p><p> </p><p> </p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 18/05/2020 16:07:34 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous previous answer version 21587 answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	4781 label Biography information for Dr Luke Evans

1192783

registered interest
date	04/05/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Churches: VE Day
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Right Hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to fly Union Flags on its churches for the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
tabling member constituency	West Dorset
tabling member printed	Chris Loder
uin	43168
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/05/2020 answer text <p>The House of Bishops revised their guidance on access to churches on the 5th May 2020. <br>The new guidance can be read here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/house-bishops-backs-phased-approach-revising-access-church-buildings</a></p><p>Government guidance states that ‘a minister of religion or worship leader may leave their home to travel to their place of worship’. In most cases, they will do so in order to pray or to stream a service of worship. If clergy wish to mark VE Day by ringing a church bell or flying a flag from their church buildings, that is within government guidance. This advice does not extend to bell-ringers, sextons or other church officers or volunteers.</p><p>The parish church would usually be central to local commemorations of events such as Victory in Europe Day, but for this anniversary they will be honouring the sacrifice of all those who were involved in World War Two in a new way. Archbishops, Bishops and clergy will be participating in local and national virtual services to mark VE Day. The Church of England has released national resources for worship and prayer which can be used by local communities: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/worship-resources-ve-day-2020</a></p><p>Additional resources have been released by Westminster Abbey to help churches shape their services over the anniversary weekend which can be found here: <a href="https://www.leeds.anglican.org/sites/default/files/files/veday2015resources.pdf" target="_blank">Service of Thanksgiving to mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day</a></p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 06/05/2020 16:20:19 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	4751 label Biography information for Chris Loder

1192320

registered interest
date	01/05/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Churches: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, when churches will be re-opened for worshippers.
tabling member constituency	Rother Valley
tabling member printed	Alexander Stafford
uin	42227
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/05/2020 answer text <p>It is essential that when church buildings reopen for public worship or private prayer by members of the public, that it is done safely. In the meantime, churches across the country are holding virtual services and offering support to the vulnerable and elderly. Where they are unable to do this locally national resources are available such as the national church service on a Sunday and the Daily Hope phone line.</p><p> </p><p>The Church is adapting and rising to the challenge of supporting their community physically and spiritually during this medical emergency. The Church is regularly reviewing the medical advice and is in regular conversation with the Government. What is needed is a wide range of detailed protocols and practices to be established to ensure that church buildings and services do not represent risks for renewed transmission of the virus.</p><p> </p><p>The Church of England is currently preparing for the reopening of church buildings, but it must be recognised that not all churches and clergy may be able to satisfy all the necessary criteria, especially in the early stages of the recovery phase. This has been the experience in other jurisdictions such as Germany where the Government has advised that churches can be reopened for public worship.</p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 05/05/2020 15:01:28 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	4866 label Biography information for Alexander Stafford

1192321

registered interest
date	01/05/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Churches: Coronavirus
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, for what reasons churches and other places of worship were not listed as essential services in the covid-19 lockdown guidance.
tabling member constituency	Rother Valley
tabling member printed	Alexander Stafford
uin	42228
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/05/2020 answer text <p>Following the address to the nation made by the Prime Minister on the 23<sup>rd</sup> March, the Church of England took the difficult decision that it would ask this clergy to close their parish churches to the public due to the unprecedented high risk of transmission of the covid-19 virus. While the church buildings and halls were shut, their congregations have continued, where possible, to live out their vocation and mission to serve the needs of their local communities during the lockdown period.</p><p> </p><p>The Government listed the clergy as key workers during the medical emergency, and it has enabled them to continue to meet the needs of their communities right across the country, serving as chaplains, officiating at funerals, administering last rites, operating food banks and other essential community services.</p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 05/05/2020 15:00:29 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	4866 label Biography information for Alexander Stafford

1186409

registered interest
date	19/03/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Church of England: Charitable Donations
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to change the way parish donations are collected in response to reductions in the use of cash.
tabling member constituency	Wycombe
tabling member printed	Mr Steve Baker
uin	32147
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/03/2020 answer text <p>The Church recognises the need to adapt to the move away from cash towards contactless payments. A large and fast-evolving range of contactless solutions is available through the Church’s own Parish Buying service, with over 1,900 churches now having the means to accept payments or donations by card or mobile phone. The Church aims to have over half of its 16,000 churches able to take contactless payments and donations in the next three years.</p><p>The Church of England in partnership with the Church in Wales is working through its Parish Buying programme to negotiate competitive prices for churches. More information on that can be found at the Parish Buying website: <a href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.parishbuying.org.uk%2Fcategories%2Fgiving-and-payments&amp;data=02%7C01%7Csimon.stanley%40churchofengland.org%7Cf1379cd5c6d54c494ac908d7d008aec4%7C95e2463b3ab047b49ac1587c77ee84f0%7C0%7C0%7C637206608062647135&amp;sdata=GyOzM%2Ba5e6yeWdhv0BZXzE3kfgZCaKPTd%2BCpXxbaer0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">https://www.parishbuying.org.uk/categories/giving-and-payments</a></p><p>The Church of England has also been encouraging congregations to move to electronic planed giving schemes. This is primarily to reduce administrative burdens on volunteers, but at a time when churches have closed for public health reasons, electronic planned giving ensures continuity of a regular income.</p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 24/03/2020 17:20:37 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	4064 label Biography information for Mr Steve Baker

1186537

registered interest
date	19/03/2020
answering body	Church Commissioners
answering dept id	9
answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
hansard heading	Cemeteries: Repairs and Maintenance
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the right hon. Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to ensure the maintenance of its burial grounds.
tabling member constituency	Newcastle-under-Lyme
tabling member printed	Aaron Bell
uin	32199
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 24/03/2020 answer text <p>The responsibility for maintenance of Church of England churchyards that are open for burials lies with each Parochial Church Council. However, if the churchyard has been closed for burials by order of the Privy Council or other agreement, the usual practice is for responsibility to transfer to the relevant Local Authority. Maintenance of a closed churchyard is still undertaken in line with the relevant ecclesiastical legislation, which still applies. Each diocese similarly produces its own guidance and regulations.</p><p> </p><p>Advice and guidance is always available for parishes and all local authorities from the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Archbishops’ Council. The Church Buildings Division is currently developing a digital Burial Grounds Management System with external partners. This will in the next few years digitally map all graveyards and burial records to allow a publicly available and searchable records and monuments map to increase access to our churchyards. Following a successful trial in the Diocese of Leeds this project will gradually roll out to the rest of the country.</p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 24/03/2020 17:15:44 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
tabling member	4837 label Biography information for Aaron Bell