CoE appoints Propaganda for ‘Back to Church’ push

Propaganda, the Leeds-based agency, has been appointed by the Church of England to boost its campaign encouraging people to return to church.

The agency has been briefed to develop the existing Back to Church Sunday campaign, launched in 2004, which asks regular visitors to invite a friend along one Sunday a year.

Propaganda was involved with the Channel 4 show Priest Idol, broadcast last year, which helped to increase church attendance in a depressed area of Yorkshire.

The Church of England is understood to believe that the agency’s work with the Diocese of Wakefield, called the Church Lite campaign, has similar values to its work. The agency is now conducting research into the Back to Church Sunday campaign through clergy, existing churchgoers and newcomers.

The campaign is based on the idea that it is easy to lose touch with the church, so a personal invitation encourages people to return.

It started in Manchester in 2004 and has already been extended to a number of other areas including Oxford, Leeds and Blackburn. It will be launched in Southwark and Litchfield next year.

Peter Crumpler, director of communications for the Archbishop’s Council, says the idea uses communication and mission to build the church. He adds: “The local church can offer a sense of wonder, peace, awe and community. This campaign helps churchgoers invite their friends to step back inside.”