Following the five-month consultation period, we heard from 65 parishes, of which 41 submitted a parish response, 14 fed back as part of combined pastoral area response, and ten submitted both a parish response and fed back as part of a combined pastoral area response. Four pastoral areas submitted a combined response: New Forest, Avon Stour, English Martyrs Vale of the White Horse, and Havant. In addition to parish responses, we received 51 other responses. Of these, five were from individual members of the clergy, 40 were from individual members of the lay faithful, two were from lay faithful couples, one was from a lay faithful family and three were from small groups: Called & Gifted, the Saint Swithun Wells Fellowship Group, and the Christchurch Men’s Group. The feedback received was given in a variety of formats; some submissions responded to the questions posed; other submissions ranged from general comments on the document or a particular aspect of the plan to personal reflections and histories. Each submission has been carefully reviewed in its entirety and the feedback categorised.

Next week, we will provide summaries that can orientate the next phase of the project.