25. Mr Ross Mitchell asked -

I seek information relating to the growth in church attendance in the Diocese. I have reviewed the table of Diocesan Statistics for 2002 that is found on page 122 of the recently distributed 2004 Year Book. This records a total increase in Average Sunday Attendances of 15% from the previous year.

I ask that the following information be provided -

(a) The tabular information as was presented in the Year Book for average Sunday attendance, recalculated to only include churches that submitted a return in both years.

(b) The basis for the change in the statistics that are reported in the Year Book, in the particular the omission of previously published parish information.

(c) The measures being used, or planned to be used, in the diocese to determine changes in church attendance in terms that would indicate absolute and relative growth, as well as our performance against the initial goal of the mission, which as a Synod we accepted in 2002.

(d) The date adopted as the Mission start date, and the plans to insert a date into the mission initial goal.

To which the President replied -

This question is strictly out of order under business rule 6.3 because it makes an assertion about the increase in average attendances from 2001 to 2002. As indicated in the notes to the table of diocesan statistics published in the 2004 Year Book, the information in the table is based on the number of churches which supplied information and hence reflects only an apparent increase in attendances.

Could I make the following further comments about the specific matters raised by Mr Mitchell -

(a) In 2001, 69 churches did not submit a return, and in 2002, 28 churches did not submit a return. If the figures were to be recalculated as requested, the information would be of limited value.

(b) Individual parish information has not been included in the hope that this would encourage parishes to supply the requested information with the result that more meaningful figures can be obtained. The parish information is available to the Archbishop's Office and the Regional Councils.

(c) The figures in the Year Book reflect only the information supplied by parishes. As I indicated in my Presidential Address, the National Church Life Survey and Anglicare Research and Development have been helpful in adjusting those baselines to account for those who may attend two to three times per month, and to incorporate the statistics for children and young people as well. They will be continuing to assist us in assessing growth year by year.

(d) The Mission start date was 15 October 2002. This was the date the Synod adopted the Diocesan Mission.