In
November, the Church of Ireland will be undertaking a ‘census’ of the
worshiping Church of Ireland population for the first time in many years.
On three
Sundays in November (3 November, 17 November and 24 November) clergy and parish
officials will be attempting to ascertain the age profile and gender profile of
those attending services in Church of Ireland Churches throughout Ireland.
Worshippers on those Sundays will receive a card on which they will be asked to
indicate their gender and age.
The card will be completely anonymous.
The
objective of the census is to provide information on the worshiping Church of
Ireland population and to enable parishes, dioceses and the Church at an
island–wide level to make decisions for the future based on an up to date
analysis of the Church of Ireland’s population.
It is
anticipated that the 2013 census will be repeated every three years in order to
enable the Church to examine trends in worship attendance and ministry
throughout Ireland.
The census
allows for parishes and dioceses to collect their own more detailed figures if
they wish.
It is
anticipated that a summary of the figures will be printed in the Book of
Reports for the General Synod in 2014.