Parish Share

A detailed explanation of the Parish Share allocation method adopted in 2014 can be found in the following booklet:

• Parish Share Review Booklet

From 2014, the Share was no longer allocated to individual parishes but to benefices, which is where the costs lie. There are two elements; the first relates to the actual cost of ministry within the benefice. The second contributes to mission across the Diocese where the cost of that mission needs to be shared by us all. Parishes within a benefice decide amongst themselves how the total cost will be divided between them.

Transition

Many benefices currently contribute much less than the actual cost of ministry exercised in their benefice and it was unrealistic to ask for the full cost of ministry in the first year.  Benefices were invited to start a journey towards paying for their own ministry, starting with what they have actually paid in the past and challenging themselves to pay an additional 15% each year until they are meeting their costs.

Some benefices pay much more than the cost of their own mission and ministry and so are supporting others. These benefices are asked to support the transition process by maintaining their contribution with the intention that it will not increase until the cost of ministry reaches the level they are giving.

Support

Please see the booklet above for a detailed explanation of the support process.  Support can be offered in a variety of ways, including financial (a reduction in request in certain circumstances), assistance with growth plans or stewardship campaigns. Useful guidance and templates for encouraging giving and generosity can be found on the Christian giving section of the website.

The process

Each benefice received its Share figure at the beginning of July.  Multi-parish benefices will need to meet to agree how the share will be divided between each parish.  Agreed amounts need to be given to the Deanery Assessor, the Deanery Assessor will pass this information to the Diocesan Finance Department by the end of November. Where a benefice believes that it cannot realistically meet the challenge, they will need to request a benefice support meeting.

Where benefices have attended meetings in previous years, they may wish to send a detailed plan, rather than attend a meeting. If this is not possible or the benefice would prefer it, a support meeting can still be held.