The Church of England is facing a growing crisis in clergy numbers, with a new report warning that parish vicars risk becoming an 'endangered species'. Published after a consultation involving bishops, theologians, clergy, and church officials, the report highlights a sharp decline in people entering ordination training, falling from 591 in 2020 to 370 in 2024. Stipendiary clergy numbers have reached a historic low of 6,295, while 379 priests resigned in a single year, exceeding the 278 who retired as planned. Clergy wellbeing is identified as a major concern, with 71% of ministry leaders believing poor wellbeing discourages potential candidates and nearly one-third of active clergy reportedly showing symptoms of depression. The report urges Church leaders to move beyond managerial targets and restore greater emphasis on the traditional 'cure of souls', including prayer, pastoral care and sustained local presence. Save the Parish chairman Revd Marcus Walker argues that joyful, supported clergy are themselves among the strongest encouragements for others to explore a calling to ordained ministry.