Long-term decline coupled with COVID has left much of the church in deep trouble. Yes, there are wonderful pockets of vitality, but their number is shrinking. The new data show that, during COVID, the condition of much of the church has moved from serious to critical.

The End of Sunday

The latest C of E data are just out, covering 2022. Here are the overall figures for Sunday attendance in the Church of England since 2000.

The new panel will discern those who will be providing the informal alternative spiritual oversight and comprises:

The first is the poor theology. Part of the problem is that the PLF have emerged from a theological context which values superficial church 'unity' and does not wish to disturb the conscience of the secular world. PLF dishonestly gerrymander doctrine in an attempt to appease the Bible-believing camp by suggesting that these prayers are not a change of doctrine, merely a pastoral provision.

This will allow set prayers including blessings for use with same-sex couples, at the discretion of the
incumbent, in private or as part of an existing public worship service. In particular, it is noted that
"The PLF should not give the impression of simulating marriage." (Guidance 1.3.5). The standalone
services have not yet been authorized for experimental use, although guidance on this is expected in the