Parish Share covers our missional leadership, most of the costs of our clergy's pay, pension, housing and training, as well as some Reader training and support for our church schools. Without Parish Share, we would not be able to sustain the mission and ministry of the majority of parishes in our Diocese.
Generous sharing and mutuality in the Body of Christ
The way we pay for our clergy is called Parish Share, and it is vitally important for every parish and congregation in our diocese. Parish Share is a mutual sharing of our financial resources between wealthier and poorer parishes that quite simply makes Anglican ministry and mission possible in the Diocese of Peterborough.
This is more important than ever - fifty years ago around three-quarters of the cost of Anglican clergy was met by the Church Commissioners in London. Today much the same proportion is met by the faithful folk in church on Sunday.
Parish Share is not about our buildings; it is not even about our bishops. Parish Share funds the lion's share of the cost of our parish clergy as they serve in our parishes; the rest comes from wealthier dioceses who share their resources with us.
Parish Share is deeply rooted in the biblical principle of generous sharing and mutuality in the Body of Christ. St Paul spent a good part of his apostolic ministry organising a financial collection from the gentile churches for the impoverished church in Jerusalem. No less for us, Parish Share is a tangible expression of our corporate life and mutual interdependence.
The commitment of our parishes to playing their part generously in mutual support of ministry and mission across the Diocese is second to none, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thank you.