Posted Thursday 1 March 2007
This year’s Synod will include motions on moving towards recognition as a Fairtrade Diocese, and on developing closer links with the Methodists, particularly in Dumfries. Several Canonical revisions, which were extensively discussed last year, come up for second reading at General Synod in June, so this is the last chance for reconsideration before they are adopted. Also the 2006 Marriage Liturgy will receive a final scrutiny.
Scottish Episcopal Church Strategic Review
A major strategic review of how the Scottish Episcopal Church is financed, organised and administered is under way, with consultations and feedback on 20 questions planned over the next few months. If you have views on these matters, or disagree with how they are done now, this is your chance to make your views known, and to gain support for any changes you want to see!
The total amount of provincial quota is set annually by the General Synod (£535,694 for 2007), and supplemented by investment income to fund a total provincial budget of approximately £2m. The total amount of provincial quota normally increases by 3% per annum. That total amount is then allocated amongst dioceses in proportion to their respective ‘quota assessable income’, which comprises local congregational income (congregational giving and investment income) plus any investment income received by a diocese. That quota assessable income is then averaged over a three year period so as to smooth any significant fluctuations in a single year.
The Province distributes grants (in excess of the amount of provincial quota raised) to fund a variety of activities. The most substantial grants to dioceses are awarded by the Finance Committee and the Ministry Development Committee. Those currently administered by the Ministry Development Committee are distributed on the basis of a pre-determined formula for the purpose of supporting ministerial development within the dioceses.
The grants awarded by the Finance Committee are determined by the Finance Committee in response to applications. Some have suggested that the allocation of such funds on a formula basis would reduce the amount of time required on the part of dioceses to make applications and also would provide greater certainty for the dioceses in relation to the amount of funds which they might expect to receive. It is argued that to provide a general block allocation to dioceses (a composite grant) would leave dioceses freer to make creative and sensible use of provincial funds rather than, as at present, being required to allocate the provincial funds to particular areas of activity.
Questions to Consider
The questions we are now being asked are:
- Is the current system of allocation of provincial quota regarded as unfair? If yes, what are the specific unfairnesses and how best should they be addressed?
- Should quota be assessed, in part, by reference to potential ability to pay and, if so, how should that be assessed?
- Should the allocation of provincial quota include an assessment based on capital as well as income and, if so, to what extent?
- Should the allocation of quota amongst dioceses be linked to the number of communicant members within a diocese?
- Would dioceses prefer a different model of allocation of provincial grants from that which presently pertains? If so, what model should apply?
- If funds were to be allocated on a different basis in future, should the use by dioceses of such funds be monitored and if so by whom?
- Should the allocation of grant to a diocese be subject to that diocese first demonstrating its own financial efficiency and the achievement of certain minimum average levels of giving within the diocese?
Please tell your Lay Rep if you have views on these matters, and (equally important) if you feel that the present system is satisfactory. Either way, you might otherwise be part of a silent majority!
Category: Diocesan Synod
