Please prayerfully consider a generous pledge for the Parish Support Fund 2027.
Find resources, information, parish stories and more on our PSF page.
Watch: Our Bishops introduce the Parish Support Fund 2027
Our Parish Support Fund helps to ensure the provision of mission and ministry in every parish and every community in our diocese – and we are so grateful for the generosity of our congregations and their commitment to giving what they can to the Fund. Thank you.
We know that these are tricky financial times for everyone – and this is reflected in the financial challenges that we’re facing as a diocesan family. Since 2019, the Bank of England indicates that inflation has been over 31%. We have tried to limit the impact of this on parishes, keeping the shared costs of ministry to just over half that amount. Over that same period, income from the Parish Support Fund has risen by just 3.1% in total, with us needing to use general reserves to cover our operational deficits.
My fellow Bishops and Archdeacon colleagues join me in asking parishes to consider a generous Parish Support Fund pledge this year, to help us address our predicted deficit of nearly £1m for 2027. The more income we raise, the fewer cuts will be necessary.
Every parish pledge is vital – as the writer to the Hebrews reminds us “do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
We’ve calculated that we need a 7.5% rise in Parish Support Fund income to break even in 2027, with annual inflation currently at 3% – and expected to rise. Please aim to offer an above-inflationary increase to enable continued clergy provision across our diverse parishes. Every parish matters – and we want to ensure sustainable ministry for those who have little, as well as those who have much.
Bishop Christopher adds:
As I prepare to step away from my role as your Diocesan Bishop, I want to thank you for your continued support for the Parish Support Fund – and give thanks to God for all that has been made possible through it over the past decade. Please continue to pray that God’s love will be poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, that we may face these financial challenges with generosity and courage – seeking in all things to be Christ Centred and Outward Focused.
Thank you.
