C of E: Get ‘em while they’re young
The Church of England is planning its first concerted drive to engage under- 18s after admitting that it is comprehensively failing to connect with children and teenagers.
Proposals will be put before the general synod in February that include a blueprint to set up breakfast, homework and sports clubs in schools as well as working in publicly funded toddler playgroups to spread the Christian word.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/dec/23/church-recruiting-drive-targets-children
A recent letter to The Times from The Rev Dr Howard Worsley, Director of Education for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, is revealing. His main point is that declining church attendance and ageing congregations are countered by the increasing number of children attending church schools – now over a million – reflecting the increasing number of church schools and academies.
“So if the parish system of the Church is losing impact, the education system is developing impact. My own belief is that the rumour of God is being circulated more widely and with greater conviction. Furthermore, if the Church worked even closer with its schools, it would secure its future, acquire a reputational uplift and secure more avenues for effective engagement.”
It’s rare to see an “official” acknowledgement from the Church of England that it sees its schools both as a tool for proselytising children and for protecting its institutional power. While many faith schools do a good job for their pupils, the case for Church control over schools funded by the taxpayer seems thinner than ever.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/letters/article6939596.ece