In the spring of 2007, a group was set up to review the current arrangements for assessing and collecting parish share in Derby Diocese, and to make recommendations. The report of that group is now available.

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The report's summary and recommendations are as follows:

(i) The current parish share system has served the diocese well over many years, but anomalies and inaccuracies have grown, and its complexity means that it is not well understood.

(ii) It would be possible to update the present system and modify it in some minor ways. However, the working group recommends that two alternative systems in particular should be debated within the diocese:

(a) An offer-negotiation system of contribution to the Diocesan “Common Fund”
Mission and Ministry Areas and Deaneries would make offers of contributions to the Diocesan “Common Fund”, in the light of information on the costs of ministry in the MMA, Deanery and Diocese, and the ability of MMAs to give. A process of negotiation would then follow in order to match the diocesan budget with Deanery giving, and to give flexibility within Deaneries and MMAs as local circumstances changed.

(b) A system based on congregational income surveys and church attendance
Every four years, MMA congregations would carry out an anonymous income survey, and MMA attendances would be measured. MMA shares would be calculated according to these factors, and a profile of share payments set for each MMA for the following four years.

(iii) Whatever system is adopted, the working group recommends that serious attention be given to financial transparency, effective communication with churches, and local ownership of the system. Local churches, MMAs and the Diocesan Board of Finance must work in partnership rather than against each other.

The paper will be introduced to the Diocesan Synod at its meeting on Saturday 8th November 2008. Copies of the paper will be circulated to synod members in preparation for that meeting. Churches, MMAs and Deaneries are welcome to discuss the paper in advance of that date, and send comments to the chairman of the review group, the Rev'd Christopher Harrison, at christopher.d.harrison@btinternet.com. The consultation period will extend beyond that date into 2009, however, to give adequate opportunity for full debate at all levels. Further information about the timescale of the consultation process will be given in due course, together with additional materials to help local discussions.

If you would like to discuss the paper, or request someone to speak about the paper at a local meeting, contact Christopher by email or on 01335 390226.

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