New statistics have revealed how significant the Church’s contribution to society in the countryside is across England.
Results show that eighty-five percent of communities in the geographical area covered by the Diocese of Hereford, which is the most rural in the Church of England, the Church was “felt to be an important partner in social and cultural life.”In addition, in 15 percent of surveyed places, the Church was the only major local contributor to such activities.
Nick Read, Agricultural Chaplain for the Diocese, and a member of the group that drew up the report said, “With fewer than three hundred thousand people in an area of 1660 square miles, the Church’s role is very significant though we doubt this is recognised by government at any level. The survey also showed up the church’s close link with the land and the people who live and work this land.”
Figures also reveal that eighty-five percent of local churches in the Hereford diocese hold Harvest Festival Services, seventy-eight percent holding Rogation or 'beating the bounds' services and even a quarter of parishes marking Plough Sunday.
However, in comparison to this, under fifty percent of churches hold carol services.
Read said, “It’s not just Sunday services; the church provides a range of activities for all ages, from Mother and Toddler Clubs to women’s groups and men’s groups, bible study to bell ringing and a lot more besides.”He continued, “Nearly two thousand people are involved in musical activity, in choirs, music groups or ringing the bells. More than half our buildings are used for concerts too.”
“Just as important was that the survey showed our involvement with other organisations and events such as local drama festivals, Three Choirs Festival and Caring for God’s Acre (a local secular charity),” said Read.
“More than 40% of our parishes are involved in the Governing Body of their local school, 15% are involved in parish and town councils, a further 27% of parishes are participating in Parish Plans and more than one in three are represented on local charities.”
The Bishop of Hereford, Anthony Priddis said, “I am sure the contribution made by our churches is constantly underestimated. We now have the figures to show the strength of what we do and the importance of that contribution to everybody’s life, not just church goers.”
The survey was conducted across churches in the Diocese of Hereford during June and July 2005, and follows an adoption of a new vision statement by the Diocese of Hereford.
The report can be see by clicking www.hereford.anglican.org
