The Church of England is facing a sobering reality: Its decline is no longer just about empty pews. Instead, it could threaten the future of the institution itself.
According to Church Times, two academics are sounding the alarm that the Church of England is heading toward “financial disaster” as both attendance continues to fall and the number of clergy shrinks.
Canon Robin Gill from the University of Kent, and professor John Craven, issued the warning in a new report titled Wasted Money in a Diminishing Church.
And the numbers reveal just how serious the situation has become.
A 2024 review of diocesan finances found that attendance across dioceses had fallen between 25% and 40% since 2015. Parish-share income was also down nearly 30% before the 2020 pandemic.
Then there is the clergy problem.
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The number of ordinands preparing for ministry has fallen roughly 40%, while Save the Parish reports that full-time stipendiary clergy positions have declined 28% since 2000.
Fewer people in the pews. Fewer ministers preparing to lead them. Less money flowing into the system.
If that trajectory continues, the Church of England could look dramatically different in the years ahead.
Gill and Craven warn of a dangerous cycle: Declining attendance means smaller congregations and less giving. Fewer clergy then have to minister across larger areas, putting additional pressure on already-struggling parishes.
Their recommendations show just how drastic they believe the situation has become.
According to the Church Times, Craven and Gill suggested that one step to consider is “…reducing the number of dioceses to around 30 dioceses by 2032…”
The Church of England told the Church Times that the report was a “wide-ranging and thoughtful” contribution to the conversation surrounding the pressures facing the denomination, while defending the importance of areas such as safeguarding.
While we don’t know exactly what the future holds for the Church of England, if current trends aren’t reversed, we could see a long-term toll on England’s religious future.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about Abby at abbytrivett.com.
