Some statistics about our ordinands

The Revd Canon William Gulliford, Director of Ordinands

The Director of Ordinands, the Revd Canon William Gulliford, recently sent me a statistical report on candidates who have been successfully selected for training since 2006. The statistics are very significant, and give a snapshot of the rich gifts which this diocese is bringing into the Church of England through our vocations programme. I cite some of the figures below. (Of course, these figures do not include those who begin the process of discernment, but who are not forwarded to selection).

Since 2006:

40 men
20 women

41 over the age of 32
19 under the age of 32

32 candidates for stipendiary ministry most of whom have been exported to other Church of England dioceses

7 distinctive deacons

9 minority ethnic candidates

Apart from UK citizens, the following passport holders were successfully selected for training:

7 American
6 Dutch
5 French
3 Nigerian
1 Turkish
1 Austrian
1 Congolese
1 Sudanese
1 Turkish

In addition to those who are testing their vocation to Holy Orders Fr William is also responsible for directing the path of those ordained in other Churches not in communion with the Church of England who seek to explore ministry in this Church.

Such ministers eventually are sent to a Candidates Panel of the National Church's Ministry Division which recommends what additional training or formation is required as they take up ministry in the Church of England. If not already in priest's orders, such candidates must, of course, be ordained. If they are already in priest's orders they are received by a bishop into the Church of England. I traditionally give such priests a presentation copy of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer on that occasion, to mark their formal transfer as priests into this Church.