Legacies
Key contact: Peter McEvitt, Stewardship Officer
It is important for all Christians to make and maintain an up-to-date will as part of their personal stewardship.
Using the catchphrase “Work it out; Pray it through and Write it down”, Deanery Synods and PCCs are being encouraged to talk about and encourage all church folk to regularly review their wills – every five years or so, or when there are significant family changes.
According to recent figures, about half of adults have not made a will, or it has been rendered invalid because of family changes. People often make inaccurate assumptions about who will benefit from their estate.
Here are some downloadable resources on the subject of legacies:
Appointing a Legacy Officer
Legacies: An aid to discussion for PCCs
Legacies: Some resources for parishes
For more information or for editable copies of these ODFs, contact the Stewardship Officer.
The practicalities of making a will
Making a basic will is not expensive; it should cost less than £100. It is important to seek professional advice when making a will, such as a solicitor.
During the month of November many solicitors will make a will for free through the Will Aid scheme. For a suggested donation of £75 to a consortium of charities, they will make a will for you. This is a fantastic way to get your affairs in order and at the same time help many thousands of people in need. Since the campaign started in 1988, almost £7m has been raised in donations. Visit www.willaid.org for more details.
In recent years the Diocese of Manchester has received between 140 and 180 legacies annually, averaging £7000. This equals roughly 5.5% of parish income. In many places these bequests have enabled things to happen that otherwise could not, often providing the springboard from which further fundraising makes dreams become reality. What a splendid way for Christians to extend their lifetime of generous giving to God by making one last gift – bequest – in the form of a legacy.
