Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Greg Hands and Caroline Spelman

Thursday 20th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Greg Hands (Chelsea and Fulham) (Con)]

2. What steps the Church of England has taken to recruit clergy in London in the last 12 months.

[Dame Caroline Spelman]

London presents a very positive picture in the life of the Church for the recruitment of clergy. The Church set itself a target to increase the number of vocations in all dioceses by 50% by next year. Most dioceses are well on track, and London expects to reach that target this year.

[Greg Hands]

I welcome that great news on recruitment in London. A year ago three of our major parishes in Fulham had vacancies, but in April I was delighted to attend the induction of Rev. Ross Gunderson at St Etheldreda. Next Wednesday will be the induction of Rev. Penny Seabrook at All Saints, and we hope soon to fill the vacancy at St John Walham Green. Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating and welcoming our new clergy in Fulham?

[Dame Caroline Spelman]

With pleasure—I wish all those incumbents great success in their new parishes. That demonstrates that the commitment to more training for vocations is really working, and I should share with the House the fact that there is now a 50:50 ratio of men and women in training.