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It’s a privilege to work with people across the diocese who are adapting so well to changing times. Thank you for all you do to manage finances across the diocese.
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The Bishops’ “Beyond the Present” meetings in the autumn showed how many local churches are responding to the most difficult circumstances.
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While personal tragedies and loss have beset families across the country, within our local communities, remarkable effort has been made to help those in need during the pandemic. Serving neighbours, building relationships and worshiping using digital technology are all an encouragement. We seek to serve and support you in your work.
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Financial Situation
At the start of the first lockdown the Diocesan Finance Committee started planning solutions to deal with a 50% drop in income.
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We took out a bank loan of £2.5m to provide liquidity; sold some investments, stopped all capital purchases and cut costs wherever possible. Draft accounts at the end of 2020 show an increased loss but there are many things to be thankful about. The new Mission and Pastoral plan being introduced by Bishop Andrew will ensure that our financial decisions are driven by a clear vision.
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Share contribution – a sincere thank you
Thank you to all of you doing so much to preserve share contribution.
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By the end of 2020 we have received 89.6% of the share requested which is an exceptional result given the challenging situation we all find ourselves in. Listening to Deanery Treasurers and Rural Deans at an Area stewardship meeting, it is so clear that there is in-depth knowledge residing in Deaneries and parishes and such a commitment to help and succeed. We are very aware that 2021 is going to be tough and our message is again is to please pay what you can so that we can sustain a Christian presence in every community.
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Use of technology
Who would have thought in February 2020 that we could have kept all the workings of the Diocese going online?
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Investment in IT has helped this process – Zoom and team meetings have worked well and, in many cases have encouraged engagement. There has been much more willingness to participate in decision making with reduced travel and time needed to be part of meetings, as well as reduced costs!
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Going forward, our focus is on how best to help parishes in practical ways. Here are some of the initiatives already underway. We would love to hear your comments on these and further ideas and suggestions you would like to make.
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Parish support
A Church House Staff Contacts guide will be published to make it easy for churches to access the resources available and get in contact with staff for relevant information and support.
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For general enquiries, or if you are not sure who to speak to at the Diocese, please call 01722 411922 or email us at parishsupport@salisbury.anglican.org.
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Parish accounting systems
We are investigating an initiative pioneered by Lichfield Diocese to offer a system called ‘Data Developments’ as a standard accounting package across the Diocese.
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This system, used by some parishes already, is specifically designed for churches and parishes, well supported and easy to use. The aim is to simplify accounting for your church; freeing up time for mission and ministry; providing simplification; support, consistency and succession planning. We are developing a pilot study, looking to launch this later in the year.
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Giving and Generosity Campaign
Following on from consultation last year, we are launching a campaign - 'Generous Giving'.
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The focal point of this will be later in the year when we hope we may be out of lockdown; but resources and support are becoming available from now.
The process started this week with a session for some of the clergy on how to talk about giving. Speakers from outside and inside the Diocese created a very engaging and informative session. The aim of the campaign is to equip every church in the Diocese to actively engage their congregation on the topic of giving and generosity and encourage those who are able to increase their giving. A recording from the Archdeaconry day sessions will be available on the website soon and we are aiming to invite all treasurers to a Zoom session on this and the parish accounting system after Easter.
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Relieving pressure on Share by developing other income
A more proactive approach to our Glebe lands is beginning to identify tangible opportunities.
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We are looking again at total return with our auditors to release funds for mission work. We continue to grow the property trading company, SDBF BC Ltd which returns all profits to the diocese and we are looking to expand into new markets.
Photo (c) Mike Faherty, courtesy Geograph/ Creative Commons
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Communication
We aim to keep you well briefed and to build deeper engagement with you so we can make decisions together which are in the best interest of the local church.
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Investment certificates CCLA
These have been sent out electronically this year: if you have not received yours please email elizabeth.wallis@salisbury.anglican.org and she will be able to help.
Zoom meeting after Easter (date TBC)
We look forward to meeting with all treasurers on the Giving Campaign and Parish accounting initiative. Part of the aim is to provide better and more transparent communication of finances.
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David Pain and Liz Ashmead 12.02.2021
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