Please note: this information has yet to be e-mailed to all clergy.  This will be done during the week beginning Monday 4 May 2009.

Dear Colleagues,
 
As we approach the end of the first quarter of the year for parish share receipts, I am writing to let you know that 35% of parishes have yet to make a parish share payment.  Clearly, there are some pressures on parish income and cash flow in these difficult times and some parishes may be tempted to hang on to income. But the same pressures apply to Diocesan finances on a much bigger scale and the fact that 35% of parishes have yet to make a payment is causing us serious concern both in terms of cash flow and budgetary planning. It is also unfair on the majority of parishes which have already made a substantial contributions. Could I ask you all please to check the current parish share position with your parishes and encourage those who have not yet made a payment to do so urgently. Please also stress that the Diocese relies upon regular parish share payments no matter how small.
 
If you have parishes in particular difficulty do please let us know so that we are aware of the situation and can explore ways to help. One of the ways we are seeking to help parishes in the current situation is by offering a number of one day financial seminars with input from CCLA, EIG and others. The first of these will be in June and I will be in touch soon with details.
 
With best wishes,
 
David