A new fund has been launched in the Diocese to help ensure we can continue to pay our clergy and support staff throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.
As churches and church halls remain closed, parish income has been reduced. This means that ‘Parish Share’ contributions, which largely pay for our clergy, are also falling and the Diocesan Board of Finance has a limited ability to make up the shortfall.
We need to continue to pay our clergy and support staff. This central fund is for anyone who wishes to contribute to stipend and wage costs, over and above supporting their parish church as a first priority.
Bishop John said: "Ensuring we are able to pay clergy stipends is our number one financial priority. Although the situation is under control, the Diocese of Worcester Ministry Fund is being launched to help maximise the funds available for this purpose. We are clear that the commitment to the local church must come first but having such a fund will help ease pressure at a diocesan level, particularly as many parishes are needing to reduce Parish Share contributions."
