§ 26. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the right hon. Member of Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, what has been the number of clergymen in each of the past 10 years.
§ Mr. AlisonThe total number of full-time stipendiary clergymen at the end of 1978 was 11,409; at the end of 1987 there were 10,624. In 1987 the first women deacons were ordained, increasing the total of full-time stipendiary clergy to 11,063. I shall arrange for full details to be published in the Official Report.
§ Mr. MarshallDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the vast bulk of the clergy work long and anti-social hours, often with little material reward? Does he agree also that one of the functions of the clergy—and, one hopes, of the bishops — further is to give a moral lead to their congregations? Does he further agree that, as one would not expect a bishop to sponsor adulterers for ordination, one can agree with those bishops who are refusing to sponsor practising homosexuals?
§ Mr. AlisonThe Church Commissioners have no direct responsibility for ordination, selection or training. It is unlikely that an avowedly practising homosexual would be recommended for ordination or ordained by a bishop in the Church of England. It would scarcely be compatible with a clergyman's pastoral duties for the teaching of Christian personal ethics to recommend ordination.
§ Following is the information:
| Full-time stipendiary clergymen | |
| Year | Number at end of year |
| 1978 | 11,409 |
| 1979 | 11,279 |
| 1980 | 11,053 |
| 1981 | 10,882 |
| 1982 | 10,789 |
| 1983 | 10,807 |
| 1984 | 10,749 |
| 1985 | 10,672 |
| 1986 | 10,649 |
| 1987 | 10,624 |