Use of the website has increased substantially over the past three years, at least among people actively engaged in the Diocese of New Westminster, according to a survey of 128 synod delegates earlier this year.
Some 26 percent check the diocesan website weekly, compared to a similar survey in 2001 which found only 4 per cent went to www.vancouver.anglican.ca each week.
Currently another 28% check it biweekly or monthly. Some 46% check it less often than monthly, or not at all _ but in 2001 that figure of people not using the website very often or not at all was 81%. The survey indicates that if an item is posted on the website, about 1 in 6 of those surveyed will see it within a week.
In total, two-thirds of the people surveyed use the website. Of those, 4 in 5 have high speed connection. However printed material still has a higher reach than electronic.
TOPIC is received regularly by 9 in 10 - and another 6% can read TOPIC at church. Most (82%) who read it do so within two weeks of delivery. They read it first of all to be in touch with diocesan business, and learn about upcoming diocesan events.
But far more people than in 2001 say they read TOPIC to learn about parishes other than their own. Many want more news of other parishes in the newspaper.
People feel fairly well informed about the following (in order): PWRDF, SIA, Camp Artaban, the Get fit Keep fit program, Church Depot, and Sorrento Centre. People felt they need more information about the Stewardship Development Committee, Partners in Mission, the Justice and Peace Unit, Anglican in Mission, the Evangelism Unit, and the Refugee Unit.
People continue to get information from a variety of sources. In order, the most effective sources of information are announcements at church services, TOPIC, church bulletins, Parish Mail (sometimes called Clergy Mail), and meetings within parishes.
Several people submitted a variety of written comments. Some urged more use of electronic communications. Several felt we need to learn more about youth and young people's Christian Formation. A few people wanted more stories in TOPIC about putting Christian faith into practice.
Responses came from 2004 Synod delegates, who are probably as well or better informed than most Anglicans in the Diocese. Of 293 delegates, 128 were good enough to fill out and hand in questionnaires, a 44% response rate.