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A Church of England partnership with the Children’s Society Over the past twelve months, a group of Diocesan children’s work advisers and communications officers have been working with The Children’s Society to develop a campaign to raise money for the charity and resources to help churches and schools offer a range of fun, lively and different activities on 31 October – the Friday of half-term week. The Children’s Society will be using its networks to promote events and fundraising. The potential is quite large, and we estimate 62,000 children attending Halloween Choice events this year.
The Church of England Children’s Society is a leading children’s charity committed to making childhood better for all children in the UK. Since 1881, when Sunday school teacher Edward Rudolf, supported by Archbishop Archibald Tait, founded The Children’s Society, we have been working alongside the Church of England to reach out to those forgotten children who face danger or disadvantage in their daily lives; children who are unable to find the help or understanding they need anywhere else.
Basing our work on the Christian principles of love, justice and forgiveness, we support children in trouble with the law, young runaways at risk on the street, disabled children who face exclusion and young refugees rebuilding their lives in the UK. We work with children who are often forgotten or whose needs are ignored, such as young carers, Traveller children or children whose parents are affected by alcohol or drug use.
Our work in schools, churches and children’s centres and our mentoring programmes not only give children the chance to develop the skills and confidence they need to make the most of their childhood but also helps families play a full part in the life of their local communities. Our research influences the thinking of everyone – from the general public to politicians and decision makers –about how to create real change.
Our campaigning forces institutions, government bodies and local authorities to take action that makes childhood better for all children.
The Church of England Children’s Society is only able to continue its work through the generous donations of our supporters and volunteers. This allows us to concentrate our work where the need is greatest and not just in areas where government funding is available. It makes us a truly independent organisation.
Providing an alternative Halloween activity fits within our work to make childhood better for every child.
Why is the Church of England Involved ?
The Church of England is a Christian presence in every community. It has the spiritual welfare of the nation at its heart. This campaign is part of a series of ideas that have encouraged people to look again at their lives and make changes that might improve our nation and personal well-being.
Every person in England has a right to ask the Church of England for spiritual help. If asked, we have a legal duty to take funerals, christenings and weddings. Our network of churches and clergy are available seven days a week to help and advise.
*Some rules apply regarding marriage of those who have been divorced.
Key facts about the Church of England Church attendance and visits · 1.7 million people take part in a Church of England service each month, a level that has been maintained since the turn of the millennium. Around one million participate each Sunday. · More than 2.8 million participate in a Church of England service on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Forty three per cent of the population attend church at Christmas, rising to 48 per cent in London and, nationally, 22 per cent among those of non-Christian faiths. · In 2005 forty seven per cent of adults attended a church or place of worship for a memorial service for someone who has died and twenty one per cent were seeking a quiet space. Both these proportions are increases on thirty seven per cent and nineteen per cent respectively in 2003 and twenty nine per cent and twelve per cent respectively in 2001. · 86 per cent of the population visit a church or place of worship in the course of a year , for reasons ranging from participating in worship to attending social events or simply wanting a quiet space. · Every year, around 12.5 million people visit Church of England cathedrals, including 300,000 pupils on school visits. Three of England's top five historic 'visitor attractions' are York Minster, Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
Education · Seven in ten (70%) of the population agree that Church of England schools have a positive role in educating the nation’s children. · One in four primary schools and one in 16 secondary schools in England are Church of England schools. Approaching one million pupils are educated in more than 4,700 Church of England schools.
Ministers · The Church of England has more than 27,000 licensed ministers - including more than 9,000 paid clergy; more than 3,000 non-stipendiary ministers; more than 10,000 Readers; around 5,000 active retired clergy; and more than 1,100 chaplains in colleges, universities, hospitals, schools, prisons and the armed forces.
Community involvement · More people do unpaid work for church organisations than any other organisation. Eight per cent of adults undertake voluntary work for church organisations while sixteen per cent belong to religious or church organisations. · A quarter of regular churchgoers (among both Anglicans and other Christians separately) are involved in voluntary community service outside the church. Churchgoers overall contribute 23.2 million hours voluntary service each month in their local communities outside the church. · The Church of England provides activities outside church worship in the local community for over half a million (515,000) children and young people (aged under 16 years) and 38,000 young people (aged 16 to 25 years). More than 136,000 volunteers run children / young people activity groups sponsored by the Church of England outside church worship.
Church buildings · Nearly half the population (46%) think that central taxation, local taxation, the National Lottery or English Heritage should be ‘primarily’ responsible for providing money to maintain churches and chapels. These churches and cathedrals are largely supported by the efforts and financial support of local communities. Often, they are the focus of community life and service. · Forty-five per cent of the country's Grade I listed buildings are parish churches maintained by the Church of England. There are at least £378 million of major church repairs outstanding, 87% for listed churches. Sources: Church Statistics 2003/4 and 2004/5 Opinion Research Business national polls 2005/ 2003/ 2001/ 2000.. |
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About us This campaign site is managed by the Communications Office of the Church of England Diocese of Manchester
Church House
Phone: 0161 828 1400 Email:info@halloweenchoice.org
Copyright MDBF
Any queries for The Children's Society please contact: Caroline Loden on 0207 841 4428 or Caroline Loden
The views expressed on this site are not necessarily those of MDBF. MDBF is not responsible for the content of other sites nor the views represented there. |
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