Across Peterborough, Northamptonshire and Rutland, we are one Diocese, made up of twelve deaneries, more than 300 churches, and dedicated lay and ordained people serving their communities with faith, generosity and hope.
While every church is unique, we share the same calling: to make Christ known and to serve our communities with God’s love.
Throughout the Bible, God’s people share resources so that together they can fulfil God’s mission. That same spirit of generosity and partnership continues today.
For many years, Parish Share has supported that shared commitment, and over the last year, we’ve listened to people across the diocese as part of a review.
What we heard was clear. Churches and benefices face very different circumstances and challenges. We are committed to a system that better recognises those differing realities whilst recognising that we are strongest when we see ourselves not simply as individual churches, but as part of a wider diocesan family, sharing responsibility for God’s mission together.
That is why we are introducing Common Fund.
The new name reflects a simple but important truth: we have a common mission, common goals and a shared responsibility for sustaining ministry across our Diocese.
Common Fund supports clergy, ministry, training and mission in every community. It helps make worship, pastoral care, discipleship and outreach possible across our Diocese. It also funds safeguarding, support for children and young people, schools work, communications, finance, property services and the work of the DAC.
Most of all, Common Fund is an expression of partnership. Together, we can achieve more than any benefice could alone, helping God’s mission flourish within our Diocese. Thank you for all you do in your benefice and community.
Find out more about where our funding comes from, how it is allocated and what is changing under CommonFund in CommonFund explained:
Use our Treasurers Toolkit to work out how your CommonFund request is calculated:
Giving Together as One Diocesan Family
Across our diocese, parishes are rooted in their local communities, each with its own story, calling and faithful witness. While every church is deeply valued, none stands alone. Together we are part of one diocesan family within the Church of England, sharing in God’s mission across all our communities.
Our approach to funding is shaped by this shared life. Through generous giving we are able to sustain a Christian presence in every community. Parish contributions help to support clergy and lay ministers, schools and chaplaincies, safeguarding, and the care of buildings — enabling ministry to flourish across the whole diocese.
We invite every benefice to pray about its giving and to contribute as generously as it is able. By doing so, we live out our faith together, ensuring that the good news of Jesus Christ continues to be shared, and that God’s kingdom may grow and flourish throughout the Diocese of Peterborough.
Consider sharing this video of Bishop Debbie reflecting on Christian giving with your congregation:
