The Church of England in Suffolk is launching its first county-wide survey – inviting people to have their say on the future of the diocese.
The “Together We Are Listening” survey will be officially launched by Bishop Joanne Grenfell on Suffolk Day, June 21. The survey will gather views from across the diocese’s clergy, parishes and congregations, as well as from the general public, to help develop a shared vision for the church’s future.
Bishop Joanne said: “Together We Are Listening is an invitation to everyone in the diocese and across the county to share their views and, importantly, for us to listen. The insights we receive will help shape the next stage as we refresh our diocesan vision and strategy. We have a valuable opportunity to pause, to listen to one another and to what God is saying and to be attentive to what is happening in the life of our communities. I warmly invite people in Suffolk to take part in the survey so we can better understand where we are as a Church now – our gifts, our resources, our challenges and the opportunities ahead.”
Four surveys have been developed by the diocese, three for clergy and church members and one for congregations and the general public.
The surveys include questions on how often people get involved with their local church, their general perception of the Church of England in Suffolk and whether there are any areas they’d like to see improved.
Bishop Joanne previewed the survey at the Suffolk Show, inviting people to join her on a big purple sofa to chat about the direction of the church in the county.
“This survey is a wonderful opportunity to listen to the people of Suffolk and to gain valuable feedback of what they would like to see from the church in the future,” said Bishop Joanne.
“It was lovely to speak to people at the Suffolk Show on the purple sofa, listening to people from all walks of life and discovering their view on what they would like to see in their church communities.”
For more information on the “Together We Are Listening” survey and to take part, click here.