Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about financial management:


Q. Where does the Church's money come from?

There are several sources of income for the Church:-

Historic investments and land holdings;

Money given by the worshipping community across the Diocese, either in the Church collection plate,
by regular giving methods under 'Gift Aid',
or through legacies left to the Church in peoples' Wills.

NB: Find out more about 'Gift Aid' and why it's important to charities like the Church of England. A page within the Inland Revenue's web site gives you full details.



Q. Do you get any money from the State from taxes?

No. The only money the Church receives from the Government is occasional grants for Church 'heritage' buildings. We do not receive any State money for Ministry.



Q. Is the Church rich?

No. But on paper, our historic income and land holdings may make us look wealthy. In fact, we can only spend that income because people made these gifts in trust to ensure that future generations would also benefit. Think of a couple living on the State Pension (as some of our members do). Their income is just over £6,000 a year and barely covers the necessities of life. Yet they would otherwise need around £140,000 in capital to produce that 'pension level' of income. Their capital might make them look wealthy but that would give a false impression.



Q. If you receive grants to help maintain your buildings, why does the Church give the impression that buildings maintenance is such a burden?

Because it is a heavy financial burden despite the grants. We receive grants for some buildings, but the majority receive nothing. Where grants are given, major funding must be raised locally.

The amount paid by the Church in VAT has exceeded the grants received.

We are preserving heritage assets for the nation, which is a privilege but it can also present a great burden.



Q. So what is the income of the Church and where does the money go?

We run an annual budget of £6.2 million (2002).

We pay nearly 200 people, mainly in direct ministry (e.g. our parish clergy) to the communities of Derbyshire.

We maintain over 200 houses for occupation by clergy.

Ministry by parish clergy costs £5.2 million, of which parishes contribute £4.3 million from members' giving. This giving must increase above inflation because our income from historic sources is fixed.

Through an initiative entitled 'Talking Money', developed by the Diocese of Derby's Mission and Parish Development Adviser, Canon Barrie Gauge, we are all challenged to increase our support of 'The Diocese in Action'.