Valerie asks about recruitment of clergy.

On Thursday 21 November 2013, Valerie asked the Government’s representative for the Church Commissioners about the recruitment of clergy.

Valerie said:

“What recent assessment has been made of the recruitment of clergy.”

The Government’s representative for the Church Commissioners replied:

“The number of ordinations to stipendiary ministry has remained broadly stable over the last twenty years. In 2012 11,375 ordained clergy and at least 1,411 chaplains were serving in the Church of England. There were 12,953 parishes in the Church of England, so as a result it is not unusual for a parish priest to have the care of souls for more than one parish.”

Valerie followed up:

“But the vicar at St Laurence Church in my constituency is having to cover All Saints in Darlaston and All Saints in Moxley. Could the Honourable Gentlemen find a way to support her with the appointment of another full time vicar.”

The Government’s representative for the Church Commissioners replied:

“Pay of clergy and how clergy are organised is a matter for the Diocese and the local bishop. The Honourable Lady has very kindly written to me about this particular issue which is causing her concern. If I may I will take it up with the Bishop of Lichfield and come back to her.”