Report of the Representative Church Body
The General Synod received the Report of the Representative Church Body this morning. This report addresses such issues as clergy remuneration and benefits, property and trusts, investments and markets, as well as the work of the various committees.
Proposing the report to the Synod, Mr Sidney Gamble (Derry) referred to the “healthy increases” in the income and value of trusts held by the Representative Body. However, these increases are not expected to continue. “The challenge for the R.B. in the primary role of supporting the Church’s ministry is to seek innovative ways of achieving better results. Perhaps there is a case to be made for thinking “outside the box”. Perhaps there is a need for a strategic review of the entire method of funding of all the activities of the church,” he said.
Referring to the ever increasing demand on central funds, Mr Gamble suggested that it was now perhaps “time to expand, outside of our traditional boundaries or our comfort zones, our methods of funding and financing the work of our church.”
Seconding the report, the Venerable Robin Bantry White (Cork) praised the work of the Historic Churches Advisory Committee. “The measure of how much the Church of Ireland takes very seriously its Heritage responsibilities lies in the excellent work of the Historic Churches Advisory Committee, not least in the guidelines and reminders as to good practice appended to this report…. The Church of Ireland is the possessor of significant amounts of what comes under the heading of Heritage.” However, the Archdeacon referred to the often confrontational nature of the area of planning that can be “hurtful and troubling to those involved.” “Sometimes this confrontation is quite inappropriate in dealing with a group of volunteers doing their best. It must be remembered that half the “Heritage” of a rural church consists of the continued presence of the worshipping congregation in it; a succession often over 250 years old”, he said.
Archdeacon Bantry White also went on to pay tribute to the Representative Church Body Library. “The Library is often the first contact with the Church of Ireland of those from abroad and those doing research. It is a much-praised institution”, he said. He referred to the great increase in academic research into the centuries of establishment and called for a suitable repository for Episcopal portraits. He drew Synod’s attention to the possibility of there being large amounts of valuable documents, diaries, and letters in existence that have yet to be found and he urged that members contact the Library urgently if they come across any such collections.
Regarding the topic of socially responsible investments, Canon Ian Ellis (Dromore) told Synod that this was an extremely complex ethical issue, especially in a Church where there are so many disparate views. Investments for Churches cannot ever just be about making more money, he said. “There has to be a consistency in what we teach and how we manage our money.” Canon Ellis highlighted the area of investing in the defence industry as one of major concern. However, he told Synod that, in the current economic environment, such investments can sometimes be hard to avoid. He supported the RB’s policy of looking at the extent at which the company is involved in such activities. Mr Sidney Gamble reiterated that it was the duty of the RB to be transparent and accountable and that it endeavours to be so at all times.
Revd Ted Woods (Dublin) raised the issue of maintenance grants for ordinands in full-time training. Current maintenance grants are set at €5,810 (married) and €2,860 (single) with an additional grant of €2,099 for married students living off campus. However, Revd Woods reported that, as Director of Ordinands, he hears of many instances of students with children and mortgages who are finding it hard to make ends meet with such a grant. He asked Synod whether the Church is asking for too much of a sacrifice from these people and stressed that it is the families of students that often suffer the hardship. Indeed, insufficient grants may even be preventing people from going forward for the stipendiary ministry at all. He drew Synod’s attention to the fact that it is no longer just young single people who are attending the Theological College full-time. He suggested that maybe instead of a set grant, the Representative Church Body could consider a sliding scale which would allow individual family commitments be taken into account when considering the amount to be given. Revd Woods reiterated the importance of the Church of Ireland continuing to support the training of its ordinands.
Revd George Cliffe (Cashel) spoke of his experience of being a student with four children. He said that without support from parishioners and family members, he would not have been able to pay the bills. However, he paid tribute to the excellent training he received while at the Theological College.
Mr Gamble responded that the current grant structure is under review and a recommendation from the Grants Committee has been brought to the Allocations Committee for consideration.
Wilfred Baker (Cork) raised the issue of the changing profile of the non-stipendiary ministry. He told Synod that, while the purpose of the non-stipendiary ministry was originally to enable those in full-time employment to contribute to the life of the Church, it is somewhat different today. Now they may be retired or have young families and may not be in a strong financial position. Mr Baker also reminded Synod of the increased responsibilities that the non-stipendiary ministry now involves. While a survey by the Commission on Ministry revealed no sense of dissatisfaction among the non-stipendiary clergy, Mr Baker urged that the RB address this issue as soon as possible.
You can read the full financial statements of the Representative Church Body here.