Parishes pull together to beat recession

29 October 2009

Parishes across the diocese are working hard to meet the financial challenge set by Bishop Nigel earlier this year. In a letter delivered to every congregation member, the Bishop of Manchester asked everyone to continue to support their church during the recession. And in 2009, despite the collapse of the financial markets, banks, and rising unemployment, the amount of parish share received by the diocese to pay for clergy and ministry costs is higher than at that same time last year. If parishes continue to give in this way until the end of the year then we are well on our way to riding through the recession.

The increases in giving mean that the gap between the money raised in Parish Share and the amount of Parish Share requested continues to narrow, and based on 2008 actual receipts, this would see a significant increase in the collection rate. As a result the diocese is to reduce the shared costs borne by parishes when a church is unable to pay their parish share in full (non-collection contingency). This means in 2010 parishes will need to continue to do their best to pay their parish share to avoid increases in 2011.

2010 parish share requests down by over half a million

In addition to increased giving levels, in order to set a balanced budget for 2010, the Diocesan Finance Committee is to reduce the Parish Share bill, paid by parishes in 2010, by a total of £580,000. This is very good news for parishes. The reduction in Parish Share requested is due to additional monies being secured to fund planned mission and mission. More money is coming from the Church Commissioners and there is an anticipated increase in rental income from empty parsonages and other property held by the diocese.

Help is available

What is Parish Share?


Other Stories