9 October 2024 - Benefice Share letters for 2025 are being issued to benefices throughout this week. This exercise does take some time but if you have not received your request by Monday, 14 October do email benefice-share@bathwells.anglican.org.
Our Common Fund
Our Common Fund is the means by which we finance the work of the church across our Diocese of Bath and Wells and ensure we are a Christian presence in every community, living and telling the story of Jesus.
Every parish contributes to the Common Fund and every parish receives from the fund in the following ways:
- Clergy costs, such as stipend, housing, pension
- Diocesan-wide costs, such as ordinands, curates, vocations and wellbeing as well as support for schools, children and young people
- Support for other places through a mutuality and generosity fund for communities that cannot cover the cost of their ministry
Download an infographic that gives more information on what is paid for from our Common Fund.
Benefice Share
The way in which funds are requested from parishes has changed, following an extensive review by the Common Fund Committee, which is made of parish representatives and Support Services staff. From autumn 2024 all benefices will be sent details of their requested Benefice Share contribution, which will include a suggested breakdown for each parish.
Download an infographic that explains the Benefice Share methodology or see the downloads below for more information.
As Paul the Apostle writes:
“Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need.” (2 Corinthians 8vv13-14a, NIV)
Downloads
Benefice Share information pack
Benefice Share - Questions and answers
Church of England - glossary of terms
Benefice Share presentation starter template - coming soon