Information Density: The Church of England – Signal Evidence & AI Readability

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Explore your faith

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A Christian presence in your community

Find a church near you

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Thy Kingdom Come

This year’s Thy Kingdom Come is all about the presence of God through His spirit. Join the global wave of prayer from 14-24 May 2026.
Join the global wave of prayer

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Pilgrim Places, Holy Lives

This summer, the Church of England offers a new reflection campaign centred around pilgrimage – places and stories that help us feel part of something bigger on our journey towards God.
Journey with the early English saints

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Is it you? Ministries in the Church of England

Jesus called his first disciples with the words, ‘Follow me’ – and he offers the same invitation today. He calls each of us to use our gifts and talents in Christlike ways in the world around us.
Explore how God is calling you

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A Service for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

Join us this Sunday for an online service from St Peter & St Paul in Old Bolingbroke in rural Lincolnshire, led by Rev Judith Simons.Join our online community from 9am on Sunday.
Worship with us

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Develop a daily connection with God

Everyday Faith is the daily devotional app designed to inspire, equip and encourage you in your faith every day of the week.Grow in your faith with insightful reflections, selected Bible readings, and a simple prayer to prepare you for the day ahead.
Learn more and download

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Quick read

[H3] ‘Protect us from the perils of division and hatred’ – Bishops’ prayer for nation
15/05/2026

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[H3] Pope Leo encourages Christians to share the Good News in message marking start of global prayer…
14/05/2026

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[H3] Church attendance grows for fifth year in a row
13/05/2026

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PDF

[IMG: People singing in church]

Explore your faith

[H1]
A Christian presence in your community

Find a church near you

scroll down

[IMG: Concentric blue circles with a cross cutting through them, Words Thy Kingdom Come and God with us]

[H4]
Thy Kingdom Come

This year’s Thy Kingdom Come is all about the presence of God through His spirit. Join the global wave of prayer from 14-24 May 2026.
Join the global wave of prayer

[IMG: Pilgrim Places Holy Lives]

[H4]
Pilgrim Places, Holy Lives

This summer, the Church of England offers a new reflection campaign centred around pilgrimage – places and stories that help us feel part of something bigger on our journey towards God.
Journey with the early English saints

[IMG: New deacons being ordained]

[H4]
Is it you? Ministries in the Church of England

Jesus called his first disciples with the words, ‘Follow me’ – and he offers the same invitation today. He calls each of us to use our gifts and talents in Christlike ways in the world around us.
Explore how God is calling you

[IMG: A Service for the Seventh Sunday of Easter - Hero]

[H4]
A Service for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

Join us this Sunday for an online service from St Peter & St Paul in Old Bolingbroke in rural Lincolnshire, led by Rev Judith Simons.Join our online community from 9am on Sunday.
Worship with us

[IMG: Everyday Faith promo]

[H4]
Develop a daily connection with God

Everyday Faith is the daily devotional app designed to inspire, equip and encourage you in your faith every day of the week.Grow in your faith with insightful reflections, selected Bible readings, and a simple prayer to prepare you for the day ahead.
Learn more and download

[H3]
Quick read

[H3] ‘Protect us from the perils of division and hatred’ – Bishops’ prayer for nation
15/05/2026

[IMG: Union flag bunting]
[H3] Pope Leo encourages Christians to share the Good News in message marking start of global prayer…
14/05/2026

[IMG: Pope Leo - Thy Kingdom Come - 2026]
[H3] Church attendance grows for fifth year in a row
13/05/2026

[IMG: Congregation at prayer in the pews]

PDF

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Archbishops’ Council

The Archbishops’ Council was established in 1999. The Council is a charity, set up in law to co-ordinate, promote, aid and further the work and mission of the Church of England. It does this by providing national support to the Church in dioceses and locally, working closely with the House of Bishops and other bodies of the Church. The Archbishops’ Council is one of the seven National Church Institutions.
[H3] Our vision
The Church of England's calling is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ afresh in each generation to the people of England. The Vision for the Church in the 2020s is that we become a Church that is centred on Jesus Christ and shaped by Jesus Christ through the five marks of mission:To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.To teach, baptise and nurture new believers.To respond to human need by loving service.To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation.To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
[H3] Our objectives
The Archbishops’ Council has seven objectives.A Younger Church: To double the number of children and young active disciples in the Church of England by 2030.A More Diverse Church: To fully represent the communities we serve in age and diversity.Revitalise Parishes: A parish system revitalised for mission so churches can reach and serve everyone in their community.New Christian Communities: Creating 10,000 new Christian communities across the four areas of home, work / education, social and digital.Missionary Disciples: All Anglicans envisioned, resourced, and released to live out the five marks of mission in the whole of life, bringing transformation to the Church and world. All local churches, supported by their dioceses, becoming communities and hubs for initial and ongoing formation.Sustainability: A Church that cherishes God’s creation and leads by example in promoting sustainability.Safety and Dignity: A Church that affirms the dignity of all people by being a safe place for all, especially children and vulnerable adults.
[H3] Our work
The Council and its staff achieve these objectives in a number of ways. Our work can either be indirect or direct and largely falls under seven types of activity:Legislate, regulate and deregulate matters (directly or through General Synod)Distribute moneyProvide national services to dioceses, parishes, cathedrals, schools etc.Provide consultancy servicesCampaign and engage publiclyEnable the Church to govern itselfEngage people directly, especially through digital meansThe work of the Council over the past year is described in more detail in its most recent annual report which includes a list of grants to dioceses and other institutions awarded by the Council, and is debated by the General Synod each year. Previous annual reports and lists of grants may be found at the bottom of this page.Learn about:Social Impact Investment ProgrammeClergy Retirement Dignity and Fairness Review

Archbishops' Council members

The work of the Archbishops’ Council is governed by the Council itself, a board of trustees comprising:Joint PresidentsThe Most Rev and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of CanterburyThe Most Rev and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of YorkProlocutor of the Lower House of the Convocation of CanterburyThe Venerable Luke MillerProlocutor of the Lower House of the Convocation of YorkThe Revd Kate WhartonChair of the House of LaityCanon Dr Jamie HarrisonVice-Chair of the House of LaityMrs Alison CoulterElected by the House of BishopsThe Rt Rev Mark Tanner, Bishop of ChesterElected by the House of ClergyThe Ven Miranda Threlfall-HolmesThe Rev Will HarwoodElected by the House of LaityDr Rachel JepsonMr Chris GillChurch Estates CommissionerMr Alan Smith, First Church Estates CommissionerAppointed by the ArchbishopsMr Carl HughesVACANTMr Mark SheardMr Joseph DiwakarMrs Julie JonesMr Peter DoyleAdministrative SecretarySimon GallagherSecretary AssistantMarija McKean

Staff

Here is a guide to the departments, committees, councils, and staff that collaborate to support the Archbishops’ Council’s objectives.Secretary-GeneralWilliam NyeVision & StrategyDirector: Debbie ClintonDeputy Director: Nick Shepherd & Phillip JamesCentral SecretariatIncluding the General Synod, Bishops’ meetings, governance meetings of the Archbishops’ Council, Liturgical Commission and Dioceses Commission.Director: Simon GallagherFaith & Public LifeIncluding the Mission and Public Affairs Council, Healthcare Chaplaincy and the Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican ConcernsActing Director: Richard ChapmanCathedral & Church BuildingsIncluding the Church Buildings Council and the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for EnglandDirector: Emily GeeEducationIncluding the National Society and the FoundationDirector: The Rev Nigel GendersMinistry DevelopmentIncluding the Ministry Council and the Church of England Ministry Experience SchemeDirector: Rev Canon Nicholas McKeeHuman ResourcesIncluding the Remuneration and Common Services Committee and the Council for Ministry of and among Deaf and Disabled PeopleDirector of People and Change: Emma TrenierLegal OfficeIncluding the General SynodDirector: Alexander McGregorCommunicationsIncluding Church House Publishing and the Digital TeamDirector: Hannah HowardRacial Justice UnitDirector: Guy HewittNational Safeguarding TeamIncluding The National Safeguarding Steering Group.Director: Alexander KubeyinjeLiving in Love and FaithIncluding Living in Love and Faith Programme BoardDirector: Helen Fraser

Conflict of Interest Policy

This Conflict of Interests Policy supports the Council’s commitment to integrity, by encouraging the declaration of conflicts of relevant interests so that they may be appropriately managed.

Code of Conduct

Archbishops' Council Code of Conduct 2025

[H2] Annual Reports
Archbishop's Council Annual Report 2024Archbishop's Council Annual Report 2023Archbishops' Council Annual Report 2022Archbishops' Council Annual Report 2021Archbishops' Council Annual Report 2020Archbishops' Council Annual Report 2019
[H2] Annual Grants to Dioceses
Archbishops' Council grants to dioceses  2024Archbishops' Council grants to dioceses 2023Archbishops' Council grants to dioceses 2022Archbishops' Council grants to dioceses 2021Archbishops' Council grants to dioceses 2020
[H2] Annual Grants to other institutions
Archbishops' Council grants to other institutions 2024Archbishops' Council grants to other institutions 2023Archbishops' Council grants to other institutions 2022Archbishops' Council grants to other institutions 2021Archbishops' Council grants to other institutions 2020
[H2] Certificates
Annual certificate from The Archbishops’ Council to the Church Commissioners 2024

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[H1] Pensions. Investments. Retirement housing.

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[H1] Pensions. Investments. Retirement housing.

The Church of England Pensions Board provides retirement services to those who serve or work for the Church. Learn more by selecting one of the options

[H3] Discover our services

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[H3] Pensions
Almost 44,000 people across 700 church organisations rely on us for their pensions.

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[H3] Investments
We carefully steward the c.£3.4 billion of funds under our care, investing these responsibly and for the long term.

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[H3] Retirement Housing
We support 2,400 residents with retirement housing.

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[H3] Welfare advice
We provide financial wellbeing and welfare services to our customers.

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[H3] Enabling Choice
We've listened long and hard; now we’re designing a new financial wellbeing service for clergy.

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[H3] Events
See what events we have coming up, plus watch our previous webinars at a time that’s convenient to you.

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[H3] About us
See who we are, our reports and accounts, and how you can support our work.

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[H3] Contact us
By email, telephone, online form, or via PensionsOnline, we are at your service.

[H2] Keeping you up-to-date
More news

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Clergy pension improvements – May 2026 update

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12 May 2026

[H3] Clergy pension improvements – May 2026 update
We are making great progress on implementing the pension improvements.

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Clergy pension improvements - April 2026 update

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15 April 2026

[H3] Clergy pension improvements - April 2026 update
General Synod agrees the Rule changes to allow implementation to proceed.

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Church of England Pensions Board urges greater transparency on climate lobbying at Volvo Group AGM

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08 April 2026

[H3] Church of England Pensions Board urges greater transparency on climate lobbying at Volvo Group AGM
The Church of England Pensions Board has reiterated its support for responsible climate lobbying at Volvo Group.

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[H2] Join us for our Centenary service
The Church of England Pensions Board is celebrating its Centenary with a service at Southwark Cathedral on Tuesday 16 June at 11am. Pension scheme members are most welcome to attend.
Book your place

[H2] Download our latest reports

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[H3] Annual Review 2025
We review the past 12 months of the Pension Board’s key strategic activities and outline our plan for the year ahead.

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[H3] Stewardship Report
We set out our approach to ethical and responsible investment, as we carefully steward the c£3.4 billion entrusted to our...

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[H2] The engine room of pensions provision
Discover how we carefully and responsibly invest the c.£3.4 billion fund entrusted into our care.
Visit Investments

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[H2] Our pension schemes
We manage six different pension schemes for clergy and church workers. Take a look at what makes each scheme unique.
Visit Pensions

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[H2] Your housing options
From church rental properties and independent Community Living, to private rental options with other providers, we help you find the right retirement housing option for you.
Visit Retirement Housing

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[H2] PensionsOnline
You can view your pension, manage your Additional Voluntary Contributions, and update your nominations, using our online portal.
Sign in or register

[H2] At your service

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[H3] Enabling Choice
Thank you to those who took part in our conversation about enabling choice. We’re working hard to bring these ideas to life...

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[H3] We’re here to help
We pride ourselves in delivering good customer service. Get in touch by email, telephone, online form, or PensionsOnline.

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Church Commissioners

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Diocese of Southwark

Supporting the Church of England now and for the long term

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Church Commissioners for England

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The Church Commissioners supports the Church of England’s ministry, particularly in areas of need and opportunity.We do this through responsible and ethical management of the Church of England’s permanent endowment fund, a diverse investment portfolio which enables us to provide financial support for the Church, by helping to ensure funding is intentionally used for mission and growth.In addition to managing the investment fund, the Church Commissioners supports the Church’s mission and heritage by providing funding, sound frameworks, and expert advice in support of England’s cathedrals, church buildings and Bishops’ ministry.

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Supporting the Church of England - in numbers

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£11.1bn
At the end of 2024, the Church Commissioners’ investment fund held assets valued at £11.1bn.

How we invest

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£1.2bn
We have committed to distribute £1.2bn to the Church of England in the current funding period (2023-25).

How we distribute

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Around 20%
The Church Commissioners for England contribute towards around 20% of the annual running costs of the Church of England.

Impact of our funding

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Who we are
We are committed to good governance and accountability.

Find out more

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What we do
We fund mission in churches, dioceses and cathedrals.

Find out more

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How we invest
We manage an £11.1bn investment fund in an ethical and responsible way.

Find out more

[H2] Our people
We are proud of our excellent trustees and staff, and their expertise and commitment in enabling the support given to the Church.

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