Anglican academics propose restructuring to address Church of England financial concerns

A new report titled "Wasted Money in a Diminishing Church," authored by Canon Robin Gill and Professor John Craven, calls for a significant restructuring of the Church of England to prevent potential financial collapse. The authors argue that excessive spending on diocesan administration has diverted resources away from local parish clergy, contributing to a cycle of decline. According to the report, diocesan staff numbers have risen from 1,300 in 2005 to 2,300 in 2025, while the number of dioceses has grown to 40.

To address these issues, the professors propose reducing the number of dioceses and bishops to 30 and cutting diocesan staff. They suggest shifting budgetary and clergy deployment responsibilities to local deans to better support parish-level ministry. Additionally, the report criticizes the Church’s current net-zero environmental pledge, labeling it as unsustainable and discouraging for congregants. The authors contend that these changes are necessary to revitalize parish life and ensure the long-term financial viability of the Church as attendance numbers continue to fall.