Church of England Birmingham has published its 2025 Annual Report, documenting life and growth in churches across Birmingham and the wider region.
The Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance Annual Report and Financial Statements gives a detailed overview of diocesan finances from 1 January–31 December 2025.
The report highlights a modest increase in the number of people in worshipping communities and positive (though modest) growth in Common Fund, as the Diocese continues to work to rebuild its financial position following the Covid-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
The At a Glance infographic provides a brief overview of diocesan finance over the year.
The report also provides further detail on work to accelerate the next phase of our strategy, growing churches at the heart of each community.
Backed by the National Church with a £19.8m grant over nine years – awarded during the summer of 2025 – the new funding will enable parish growth, leadership development, our journey to financial sustainability, and church planting and revitalisation.
Steven Skakel, Chair of Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance commented: “2025 was a momentous year in the life of Church of England Birmingham.
“I’m delighted that 2025 saw our strategy backed with significant funding by the national church, which will help us support parish growth, raise up and train new leaders, grow in financial sustainability and support church revitalisations.
“I’m also pleased that we saw promising signs of growth in Common Fund in 2025. This trend now needs to be at a faster rate if we are to continue on a path towards sustainability.”
The report also highlights a multitude of encouraging stories and activities from across the diocese during 2025, including the installation of Rt Revd Esther Prior as Bishop of Aston, the ordination of 26 deacons and priests, and recognition of our progress in caring for the environment through a Silver Eco Diocese Award from A Rocha UK.
The report was authored by Director of Finance Karen Preece, who retires from her role at Church of England Birmingham this month.
Diocesan Secretary Andy Winmill said: “Karen has given six years of exceptional leadership to the Church of England Birmingham.
“She has steered our finances through a pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis, and her contribution was pivotal in securing our successful funding bid during 2025.
“We thank Karen for her steadfast financial leadership, skill and commitment, and wish her well in her future retirement.”