THE proportion of those recommended for ordination who are under
30 increased last year, new figures from the Church of England have
shown.
In 2012, 22.2 per cent of those recommended were under 30; in
2013, the figure was 22.6. The actual number was identical, however
- 113 each year - and the increase is the result of a drop in the
number of over-60s.
Also in 2012, 45 people aged over 60 were recommended, but just
19 last year: a fall of almost 58 per cent. There were slight
increases in the age brackets 30-39 and 40-49, and the 50-59 group
was flat.
In 2011, just 464 people across all age groups were recommended
for ordination, and 77 people under 30 were recommended, which was
16.6 per cent of the total. The proportions in recent years of
under-30s, however, are the highest seen in the C of E for
decades.
A statement released with the figures said: "The Ministry
Division of the Archbishops' Council is continuing to be proactive
in recruiting young ordinands through providing conferences and
training opportunities such as the Ministry Experience Scheme."