The Truth about Church Extension

A vivid, nineteenth‑century pamphlet takes aim at the official census figures that claim the Established Church is in decline. Its author argues that the data are riddled with errors, inflating the growth of dissenting congregations while understating the true vitality of parish worship. By dissecting the numbers and exposing the assumptions behind them, the work invites readers to reconsider how statistics can shape public policy and opinion.

Beyond the numbers, the writer also tackles the census’s portrayal of education, contending that parents are far from neglectful and that state subsidies, not control, best support schooling. The text blends sharp criticism with a call for a more nuanced understanding of both religious life and schooling in Victorian England. Listeners will discover a compelling blend of statistical analysis, social commentary, and a passionate defense of the Church’s role in society.