In all, 1031 responses were received via the online returns, which was open to all comers to complete. This represents approximately 11% of those attending Mass within the Diocese of East Anglia.
In addition, 24 parishes, some 46% of parishes within the diocese, submitted ‘whole parish’ summaries following parish meetings.
Further reports were received from Caritas and other groups such as Justice and Peace Cambridge, and a number of ‘hard-copy’ individual responses were submitted by post.
Young people did not respond in significant numbers but have relatively recently met in a synodal form.
According to Deacon Huw Williams, who is part of the Synodal Pathway diocesan team: “The People of God are being encouraged to embed the Synodal Way in the local Church so that it will help the Church to grow and spread the Good News.
“It is hoped that Synodality is here to stay and that the initial methodology will act as a stepping stone, which can be improved upon, and will help us to grow, together, in Communion, Participation and Mission.”