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.”

Abolition of diocesan apportionment proposed in Church of England finance shake-up Package is expected to enable increase in clergy stipends to catch up with inflation

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"

Church Commissioners asked to transfer billions of assets to fund clergy stipends A £2.6-BILLION transfer of assets from the Church Commissioners to diocesan stipend funds, to be use...

A radical proposal before General Synod next month: to transfer £2.6 billion from the Church Commissioners to diocesan stipend funds, to fund parish ministry. It's been passed in seven dioceses
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

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

Justin Welby: his time as Archbishop of Canterbury Madeleine Davies looks back over the Welby years

I have a long read this week, looking back at Justin Welby's time as Archbishop of Canterbury. Quite hard to summarise an eventful 12 years. I'm sure others would have different emphases or readings
www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

⛪ The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has ensured the restoration of thousands of church buildings across the country, preserving spiritual spaces & our cultural heritage.

📣 My question to the House today: Given the scheme's vital importance, can the Govt confirm its future?

What people get wrong about Christian women who voted for Trump He said, “I want to protect the women.” They believe him.

Really interesting insights into the conservative Christian women who voted for Donald Trump
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...

How Justin Welby hollowed out the Church

I thought this was a more nuanced, interesting piece than the headline suggested unherd.com/2025/01/just...

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 🤣