At Christmas parties this year, the chances are that someone will start talking to you about the dire national census results for the Church of England, which show that less than 50% of people in the UK now identify as Christians. If, like me, you are ‘in the Church’ in some capacity – perhaps a minister or a Churchwarden – they’ll want your take on it...

April Alexander welcomed the Bishop of Oxford's proposals on same-sex relationships, praising the call for "freedom of conscience" for clergy and ordinands, which moves beyond the outdated Issues in Human Sexuality document. While hopeful about these steps, she expressed concern over proposals that accommodate opposition to same-sex marriage, fearing they could perpetuate discrimination, much like the provisions for those opposed to women's ordination. Alexander urged the Church to align with the Equality Act and avoid creating further divisions while embracing inclusivity.

Martine Oborne reflects on her journey from a successful career in investment banking to becoming a vicar in the Church of England. Despite the strides made for women's ordination, she highlights the continued discrimination within the Church, where legal provisions still allow parishes to reject women as priests or bishops. As Chair of WATCH (Women and the Church), she advocates for full equality and hopes the Church will eventually align with modern anti-discrimination laws and truly value the contributions of women.