Mutual Support
Where the money goes
As well as supporting the work of your local church, a part of your donation to your church goes toward the costs of the 700 ministers working in the diocese. These costs include ongoing education and other support costs. In addition, about 300 clergy also have housing, pensions and an income called a stipend to be paid for.
Some of your giving may go towards supporting the 130 less well-off churches in the diocese. A system called Parish Share calculates how much money wealthier churches should donate or how much subsidy you receive. This idea is called mutual support and is a key feature of Church of England finances where giving and spirituality meet.
Mutual support is also provided by the Cathedral in its role as Mother Church and from officers based at Church House who serve the parishes in their work.
The diocese collects £7.2 million from churches to provide mutual support through Parish Share. In 2008 this money was spent in the following ways:
- 55% was spent on Clergy Stipends, National Insurance and pensions
- 11% was spent on Clergy housing
- 4% was spent on Clergy Training
- 25% was spent on diocesan support for parishes
- 5% was spent on the National Church
Last year the highest Parish Share received was £196,262 and the lowest was £403.
Click here for detailed financial information.
