Over 70 people attended the first Common Fund consultation at St James, Taunton on Tuesday, 30 January, to discuss the proposed changes to the way we calculate what parishes are requested to contribute into our Common Fund.
The consultation was led by Adrian Youings, Archdeacon of Bath and Matthew Pinnock, the diocesan Head of Finance. Adrian is also the Chair of the Common Fund Committee who have been reviewing the way we calculate parish share over a number of years.
Commenting on the consultation Adrian says, “It was wonderful to see so many people at St James on Tuesday, as well as the interest people have expressed in attending the other sessions which will be taking place across the diocese. As a committee we have sought feedback on our proposal from a number of groups and diocesan decision-making bodies already, but it is vital that we hear a wide variety of views. This will help us as we seek to identify the best approach possible, one that can aid the financial stability and sustainability of the Church across our diocese.”
Tuesday’s meeting was the first of nine opportunities, in person and over Zoom, to meet to discuss the proposal in the first phase of a consultation exercise with parishes, which comes to a close on 9 March 2024.
Find details of the sessions and register to attend.
After stage one of the proposal the feedback will be discussed and a further period of consultation will begin on 30 April, before a decision on the final proposal is made by Diocesan Synod on 10 July 2024.