Those responsible for the pre-synod briefings held a couple of weeks ago are to be congratulated for helping us all to think about the relevant issues in the lead up to this year’s synod. The work involved in getting thoughts together and detailed material in circulation is not to be underestimated.
The background to these briefings are the funding challenges that we, as a Diocese, are facing as we develop both short and long term strategies with the resources that we have available. It is an important discussion, for our ability to (or not to) fund various activities directly impacts our ability to teach and support the proclamation of the Word of God.
It took me years to understand the complexity of the Diocese funding structures. I’m still trying to decide what I think after hearing the briefings. Here are several random comments and questions:
1. It was very helpful to understand the complex nature of St Andrews House, as an ‘investment’. Having heard the explanation, I was convinced that much more thinking and re-structuring needs to be done before it is wise even to contemplate a sale.
2. The proposed sale of Bishopscourt provoked much passionate debate at last year’s synod. In this briefing the argument was put that, with the fall in income from other areas, selling Bishopscourt would enable one of the major funds to be financially re-balanced, even after finding a suitable alternative residence for the Archbishop. At this point in time, I am torn here. On the one hand, the argument makes financial sense. On the other hand, our track record of achieving such intended outcomes raises a number of questions.
3. With 30% less funding available than the previous year, anyone would be challenged to come up with even suggested allocations. This has been achieved, in a sense. The qualification is that approx. $500,000 has been moved into the ‘Parish Cost Recovery’ system (that is, the levy Parishes pay will be approx. 0.6% higher). Does this mean that there have not been enough cuts?
4. Alternatively, have we just had the luxury of shielding churches from these kinds of costs up until now – but that time has now passed? Compared to other Dioceses, our levy rate is low. But what about the speeches of the past arguing against levies, on a philosophical basis? Has the pragmatic reality now taken over? Maybe it needs to.
5. Has thought been to fundraising at a Diocese level? Just in recent years, millions of dollars have been raised to fund advertising campaigns; and Christian organisations and Colleges seem to spend a small fortune on writing and asking for funds. Has the time come for us, as a Diocese, to do the same thing?
6. To what extent will these issues distract us, as a Diocese, from getting on with the job of making Jesus known?
Thank you to those who were proactive in allowing us and giving us time to think about such complex matters.
These are some of my questions. I’d be interested to hear yours.
