Lobby Church Commissioners for 1% One-Off Covid Relief for Every Parish
 

Every church in England was closed in March 2020 by government directive and all worship, prayer and events in church buildings ceased for three months. In the 3rd lockdown 80% of churches have closed for another three months. Behind the scenes the church’s people and clergy have continued to support their communities, offering everything from phone calls to food kitchens, from bereavement support to hospital transport, not to mention zoom and YouTube worship. We did what we could to raise funds but if you can’t meet and take collections income drops.

The Church Commissioners’ investments have done well over the past 30 years averaging an increase of 8.5% per year. The income from the £8.7 billion they manage pays pensions and provides a variety of support to the church, especially in the poorer areas of the country. They have provided some COVID relief but it hasn’t reached every parish, unlike the virus.

We propose that a 1% one-off grant is made to cover the cost for 6 months of clergy stipends across the whole of the church of England. This would alleviate the pressure on every parish, encourage our volunteers, and give the church a breathing space to recover from the pandemic. As the Commissioners already organise the clergy payroll this would be simple to administer.

We are asking you to support us in lobbying for an equal distribution of 1% of the Commissioners’ funds to pay all stipendiary clergy from July to December 2021 for six months. If you do you will enable the parishes to continue to lead public worship and serve their communities. Thank you and please share this petition with your friends.

Rev Maria Shepherdson Upper Kennet Churches, Rev Chris Smith, Marlborough Anglican Team, Penny Gold , Deanery Synod Secretary, Salisbury diocese