A Christian presence in every community

Work of the Council

The work of the Council over the past year is described in more detail in its annual report (see resources box left), but briefly includes the following:

the promotion of the Church's mission and evangelism to all parts of society;
the monitoring of Government policy where proposed legislative and other changes may bear directly on the Church of England;
the expression of a Church of England view on social and ethical issues of importance to the nation, such as marriage and family life, penal policy or the needs of urban and rural priority areas;
the development of educational policy and provision of advice and support services in relation to primary, secondary and further and higher education, with particular regard to Church colleges and schools;
the encouragement of the Church's ministry among children and young people and enabling lifelong learning within the Church;
developing more effective and equitable financial arrangements within the Church nationally;
proposing an annual budget for the work of the national Boards, Councils and Divisions, funding ordination training, and grants for ecumenical and Anglican Communion institutions for approval by the General Synod;
distributing selective stipend support funded by the Church Commissioners;
working closely with the House of Bishops, the Council has a role in developing policy over the selection, training, deployment and conditions of service of clergy and Readers, including recommending stipend levels;
enhancing relations with other Christian Churches;
nurturing relations with other faiths;
encouraging the care and effective use of church buildings;
supporting hospital chaplains and hospital chaplaincy generally;
monitoring and making recommendations about issues with policy implications for minority ethnic groups within the Church and the wider community.