Everything you need to know about parish returns for mission and finance
Why they matter
Every year your church is asked to complete returns about membership, attendance, church finances and energy footprint, and to answer questions on the Archdeacons’ Articles of Enquiry’
It is not uncommon for me to hear churchwardens or treasurers say, ‘We send all this information, but what benefit do we receive?’ Below, we share how completing the Returns for Mission and Finance benefits every level of the life of the Church - local, deanery, diocese and national.
How to submit your Parish Return
Wherever possible, please complete your return online using the National Church’s Online Parish Returns System.
Where do I go for help if I’m stuck?
Please don’t give up! If you’re new to this, need login assistance or have general queries please contact the Diocesan Parish Returns Team either by email or call 01865 208 200. You might find our FAQs section helpful as a first port of call. A guide to your Parish Dashboard is also available.
If you encounter technical issues with the website you can also contact the National Church's Statistics Unit via email and they will be able to assist with these problems.
When is the information required?
Statistics for mission return
2024
The 2024 return has now closed.
The 2025 return is open as of 1 April for electoral roll figures. After Easter, you can also add your Easter figures. The 2025 return will open in full at the start of October.
We know that a few churches are unable to use the online system. If so, please complete and submit a paper form. Paper forms should be sent to:
Department for Mission and Ministry, Church House Oxford, Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1GF. Alternatively, email your completed form to parishreturns@oxford.anglican.org
Archdeacons' Articles of Enquiry
2025
Submissions for the 2025 Archdeacons’ Articles of Enquiry are now open, and will close on 21 April 2025. You can view the questions below:
Parish finance return
2024
The deadline for submitting your 2024 Parish Finance Return is 28th June 2025. If it's helpful to collect the figures on a paper form before you enter it online, you can download the form below. If you are unable to use the National Church’s Online Parish Returns System please send your completed form to finance@oxford.anglican.org to be entered on your behalf.
2024 Return of Parish Finance form
Energy footprint tool
2023
The deadline for submitting your 2023 Energy Footprint Tool has now passed.
Helpful documents
You can download the user guide which explains how to use the Online Parish Returns system. You may also find it helpful to complete either a PDF or Excel version of the Returns form before you enter the information online (or, alternatively, submit completed versions of these downloads to the Parish Returns team. However, please do endeavour to use the online system wherever possible).
The user guide and forms are below, click the + sign to expand the list. Each form includes helpful notes which outline exactly what data is required.