Ordained Clergy

8. What steps the Church Commissioners are taking to increase the number of ordained clergy.

The national Church institutions have held a national consultation to inform a new vocation strategy, and the House of Bishops has emphasised the importance of increasing the number of candidates entering training for ministry. Further work will take place this week at the biennial diocesan directors of ordinands conference.

As a member of the Ecclesiastical Committee, I never cease to be amazed by the number of officials who turn up to every meeting. Could the Leader of the House convey to the Second Church Estates Commissioner that perhaps slimming down Church bureaucracy would allow more resources to be available for the ministry?

I will certainly do that. I will ask my hon. Friend to write to the hon. Gentleman on that matter.