An independent report has revealed that some dioceses in the Church of England have stopped using the word “church” to describe the “new things” being established in their parishes.
The report, New Things: A Theological Investigation into the Work of Starting New Churches Across 11 Dioceses in the Church of England, found that around 900 “new things” have been started in the past decade, with none of the eleven dioceses using “church” as the primary descriptor.
Published by the Centre for Church Planting Theology and Research at Cranmer Hall, Durham, the report is based on research conducted between November 2022 and June 2023, including interviews with representatives from the eleven dioceses.
The Rev Will Foulger, Vicar of St Nicholas’s, Durham, authored the report, highlighting that each diocese operated with a “unique ecclesiology.”
Six dioceses used “worship” as the main descriptor for these new initiatives, two used “congregation,” and seven used “community.” The report notes significant differences across dioceses, particularly concerning traditional ecclesial forms like worship and sacraments, with only one diocese using a designator explicitly rooted in Anglican sources.
The report raises concerns about the impact of this “new ecclesial language” on the Church of England’s theology, questioning whether these emerging forms might force a redefinition of what constitutes a church within the denomination. The rapid development of this language is “affecting an operant theology” and shaping diocesan mission and ministry.
The report seeks to clarify the Church's reasons for its actions and to address gaps in the theology behind national and diocesan strategies, encouraging a more faithful approach moving forward.
