In the spring of 2007, the Diocesan Synod gave its goodwill to the formation of a self-selected and entirely independent group, to review the current arrangements for assessing and collecting share in Derby Diocese. The report of that group is available here, together with 2 summary versions (PDF format):

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The report's summary and recommendations are as follows:

(i) The current parish share system has served the diocese well over many years, but anomalies and inaccuracies have grown, and its complexity means that it is not well understood.

(ii) It would be possible to update the present system and modify it in some minor ways. However, the working group recommends that two alternative systems in particular should be debated within the diocese:

(a) An offer-negotiation system of contribution to the Diocesan “Common Fund”
Mission and Ministry Areas and Deaneries would make offers of contributions to the Diocesan “Common Fund”, in the light of information on the costs of ministry in the MMA, Deanery and Diocese, and the ability of MMAs to give. A process of negotiation would then follow in order to match the diocesan budget with Deanery giving, and to give flexibility within Deaneries and MMAs as local circumstances changed.

(b) A system based on congregational income surveys and church attendance
Every four years, MMA congregations would carry out an anonymous income survey, and MMA attendances would be measured. MMA shares would be calculated according to these factors, and a profile of share payments set for each MMA for the following four years.

(iii) Whatever system is adopted, the working group recommends that serious attention be given to financial transparency, effective communication with churches, and local ownership of the system. Local churches, MMAs and the Diocesan Board of Finance must work in partnership rather than against each other.

The Group’s recommendations were considered as part of an introductory debate in the Diocesan Synod, at its meeting on Saturday 8th November 2008. The following Resolution was passed:

‘That this Synod:

i) recognises the principle of local churches contributing to a common fund, to enable the work of the Diocese and the wider Church;

ii) acknowledges that the contributions to the fund can be determined in a variety of ways, including those identified in the Report of the independent review group;

iii) invites Deanery Synods and MMAs to review the present arrangements, and to consider the proposals contained within the Report as part of reflecting on the principles which would best underpin the support of the Church in future; and

iv) asks Deanery Synods and MMAs to report their views to the Secretary of the Bishop’s Council by 30 June 2009’.

Parishes, MMAs, Deaneries and individuals are now being invited to participate in a consultation process. The Diocesan Synod has not endorsed the recommendations made by the Group, or any other recommendations. It wishes to hear the views of those who are asked to contribute through the Share system and invites comment on the Group’s recommendations, the existing system and any other proposals.

Responses are requested within the framework agreed by Synod. They will be welcomed by post or email, as indicated in the framework.

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