The expectation that giving would fund dioceses' pensions contributions did not come to pass. Gloucester diocesan secretary: "The current model of ministry funded principally through giving may be unsustainable in many places and caution applied to simply doing more of the same.”

I've had a look at this here. Stipends would catch up inflation since 2011, which would also uprate pensions. There remains an expectation for "missional interventions to translate into improved financial health" with the grants programme continuing www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

Also at Synod: the Archbishops Council will present a £220m package reforming flows between the centre & dioceses, including abolition of diocesan apportionment & "time limited" relief over nine years. It's expected to enable diocese to fund an increase in clergy stipends

The response from the Archbishops Council is to warn that, if the transfer was made, the recent returns enjoyed by Church Commissioners might not be matched. And to defend the amount of money distributed to dioceses in recent years, which has increased.

Today, grants from Commissioners to dioceses are no longer condition-free but carefully directed.
"This side of the grave, money brings power — the financial flows of the past 25 years have disrupted the ancient balance of authority in the Church, this should not be ignored."

Contributions have been met by dioceses selling assets, which his paper describes as "large scale dis-endowment of the local church, felt at diocesan and parochial levels": merged benefices, sold parsonages and parish share increasing inexorably above inflation over decades

£2.6 billion based on a calculation by Gloucester diocesan secretary on what diocesan boards of finance could have gained if they had invested the money they have had to put towards clergy pensions after responsibility for this was transferred to them from Commissioners in 1997

A paper by the Bishop of Bath & Wells says that he success of the Commissioners — who now preside over assets of £10.4 billion — is "not supporting parishes or dioceses in their current situation of destructive and destabilising financial deficit"

Thanks so much, Rachael

Thanks very much, Julie

Ah thanks guys 🙏

This thread has vindicated my decision to join this place. Have been laughing out loud

So exciting! Well done Rachel

Hello! This feels like my Dad getting email in 2010. And also a bit like the kitchen at a house party where it turns out lots of nice people are hanging out

Hello! I’m very slow to explore this place 🤣