Where The Church's Money Goes To
On average, almost two-thirds of the money given by church
members or raised by parishes in other ways is spent by the
parish's own PCC (the Church Council).
- The worship of the church has to be paid for.
- Depending on the size of the parish and the style of
worship, expenses might include the organ, organist, choir.
music. books. robes. candles and Communion elements.
- Like a house, the church building incurs costs for
heating. lighting and insurance. Some have to pay water
rates.
- Larger parishes may employ someone to look after parish
administration. Printing, stationery and postage have to be
paid for.
- It is right that parishes should pay the expenses
incurred as part of their priest's ministry in the parish. In
most cases this includes the cost of running a car.
- Most Church Councils are responsible for the upkeep of
the vicarage or rectory. Even if church members do the work
themselves, money has to be spent on materials.
- Church buildings must be kept in good repair, too, and
regular inspections arranged. Sometimes, this becomes a large
expense for a small parish.
- Finally. though perhaps most importantly, comes outward
giving. the charitable contributions the church makes. Many
churches try to give away at least a tenth of their
income.
- Some people may feel that local costs are all the local
church should be responsible for but the whole Church also
has to pay for:
-
- the stipends or salaries of clergy serving the
parishes and the pensions of retired clergy and their
dependants
- training new clergy for future service
- the work of the central church organisation on behalf
of all the parishes. Negotiating with government
departments, working with other Churches and running the
General Synod (the Church's parliament)
- and all the help given by diocesan officers to
parishes.