Save the Parish report highlights decline in Church of England clergy

A new report from the campaign group Save the Parish warns that the Church of England is facing an existential crisis regarding its stipendiary clergy numbers. Published on September 4, the document highlights that more priests are currently leaving ministry through resignation than through retirement. The findings are based on a March consultation at Windsor Castle involving bishops, archdeacons, and theological educators.

According to the report, which cites May 2026 statistics, there are 6,682 stipendiary clergy, with nearly half of that group aged 55 or older. Data indicates that 379 clergy resigned in the past year, compared to 278 who retired. Furthermore, entries into ordination training saw a decline from a peak of 591 in 2020 to 370 in 2024, with a slight increase to 417 in 2025.

To address these challenges, the report proposes six lines of action, including fully funded ordination training, a cessation of diocesan clergy cuts, and the implementation of a "covenant of care" for serving ministers. Marcus Walker, chairman of Save the Parish, stated that the combination of falling ordination rates and rising departures threatens the fundamental functions of the church.