Statistics published on Tuesday record the number of people attending Church of England services each week as below one million for the first time, reflecting a decline over recent decades of growing secularism, religious diversity, and ageing worshippers. Many believe the Anglican schism over sexuality marks the end of a global church. However the church is not surprised; recent trends have been anticipated and are being acted on. Justin Welby said, ‘The church has embarked on a radical reform and renewal programme intended to reverse declining numbers, partly by diverting funds away from small, struggling rural parishes to urban churches where the potential for growth is greatest.’ Several urban churches have shown remarkable growth in the past year, eg St Swithun’s in Bournemouth, established in 2014, now with weekly attendances of 500. The C of E is also developing ‘network churches’ that meet in cafés, pubs and other places outside consecrated buildings.