Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent steps the Church of England has taken to encourage more people under the age of 40 to attend Sunday services in Romford constituency.

The Church of England has committed to ‘Growing Younger’ as part of its Vision and Strategy for the 2020s, which prioritises creating a church that is younger and more diverse. The central goal is to double the number of children and young active disciples by 2030.

Most recently, £16.3 million was allocated by the National Church Institutions to youth evangelism projects nationwide, including £6.45 million for the Diocese of Chelmsford’s “Believing in Barking” youth and community mission project, which will also include projects in Romford.

The Diocese of Chelmsford and its clergy are actively engaging people under 40 in the life of the Church, supporting a variety of initiatives and vocations in worship, ministry, youth work, schools, and community outreach.

There are three specific projects in the Romford Constituency about to get underway; the projects detailed below constitute a direct investment in the constituency of over £ 1.25 million across the next 5 years. The Hon member for Romford may wish to visit the projects once they are commenced.

• All Saints Ardleigh Green, where the parish is recruiting a Children, Young People and Families Worker in the new year, is shared with St Andrews Hornchurch. This role will focus on children, young people, and family support, particularly working with NewCity Academy. An additional stipendiary role is also planned at Holy Cross Church in 2026 with another CYPF worker shared with St Andrews.

• St Albans Romford – will be recruiting a missional priest, with specific responsibility for developing a younger demographic within the existing congregation.

• St George’s, Harold Hill – As one of the active estate churches within the diocese, it will receive additional support and funding to support its children and youth provision.

The Barking Episcopal Area of the Chelmsford Diocese has some specific priorities:
• To “double the number of churches with >25 children and young people attending”
• To increase the number of trained lay volunteers within children, young people and family ministry and work

• To have Deanery children, young people and family in place

Further projects that cover the Romford Constituency are in the early stages of development, to support:
• Ministry and support for low-income communities
• Resourcing children and young people's clubs and organisations
• Making worship more engaging/accessible
• Nurturing the faith of children, young people and their families.