Financing the work of the Diocese

Managing the budget of the Diocese of Ely is no different from managing the finances of any family household or business. As a community, we need to understand our finances clearly and support our ministries with the wealth that God bestows upon us.

Each parish makes a financial contribution through its Ministry Share, and as a growing community, we must ensure that the pastoral needs of our own, and that of the wider, community are met.

We do what we can afford and we invest wisely in programmes and projects which the diocese judges will provide a good return in future years.

The Bible, and particularly the New Testament, has a lot to tell us about how to apply Christian principles to giving as part of our Christian Stewardship.

If you wish to make a donation, why not give through Gift Aid? The Church will receive from the Inland Revenue an extra 28 pence in every pound (£), helping your gift to go further.

As we continue the ministries of a thriving church community across our region, our financial position must remain strong.

The Diocese owns a significant amount of property, but this is functional and is used as clergy residences and for worship purposes.

ADVANCE NOTICE

CLERGY PENSIONS

The present global financial situation makes it necessary for the defined benefits of the Clergy Pensions Scheme to be reviewed. Any changes recommended will affect clergy throughout the Church of England.

Shaun Farrell (Secretary of the Church of England Pensions Board) has agreed to address an Open Meeting of clergy and others to outline the background to the review and the proposals that the trustees will have to consider.

The meeting will be held on Monday 12th October 2009 at 7.30 p.m at St Bede's Inter-Church School, Birdwood Road, Cambridge CB1 3TD

Any changes to the Pensions Scheme not only have a direct effect upon the pension of clergy but also indirectly upon the lay churchgoers as it affects the pension contribution rate.

In addition to clergy, this meeting is being drawn to the attention of Lay Chairs, the Bishop’s Council, the Deanery Liaison Group and the Diocesan Synod.

Dr Matthew Lavis
Diocesan Secretary

July 2009

Related Finance Links

• Christian Giving
• Diocesan Budget
• Finance Home
• Gift Aid
• Parish Resources [External site - opens in a new window]
• Setting the Ministry Share