The annual Statistics for Mission data is collected by the Research & Statistics Department of the Archbishops’ Council. The data is collected through the Church of England’s online Parish Return System. The system is designed to improve the way in which the Church of England collects annual parish data.
This data is also very helpful to the Diocesan Outreach Team when working with and advising parishes. It also helps the team when setting key mission priorities and when planning mission initiatives and events.
Download - Statistics for Mission - Why Bother?
Please note that reliance will be placed upon statistics concerning church attendance etc, when applications for grants from the Church Commissioners, to support particular initiatives in mission and church growth, are being evaluated. It is therefore important that accurate returns are submitted when requested.
Parishes should submit their 2023 Statistics for Mission data through the Online Parish Returns System.
Some additional guidance provided by the Church of England’s Research and Statistics department :
Counting Church at Home attendance
The Church of England's Research & Statistics department has published additional advice for churches about counting “attendance” at Church at Home services. This linked to from the Statistics for Mission form, and is also available here: https://www.churchofengland.org/media/25032
For help with the Statistics for Mission return, please Email the Outreach Team