Some 530 people across the diocese have heard about plans for an improved approach to Parish Share at a series of online meetings.
The webinars, one for each episcopal area and hosted by the archdeacon of that area, introduced clergy, churchwardens and church treasurers to our new Parish Share Agreement process.
The Rt Revd Smitha Prasadam, Bishop of Huddersfield, said of the meetings: “Parish Share giving keeps the Church of God going.
“The online meetings to introduce the Parish Share Agreement were a wonderful reminder that ‘we’re all in this together’ and a diocesan plan to visit all parishes over the next three years is a great support and encouragement to us all.”
Also of the meetings, the Ven James Theodosius, Archdeacon of Richmond and Craven, said: “The meetings were attended by a large and representative spread of parishes which shows the great commitment of our treasurers and churchwardens.
“There was a real sense that this is a good and wise initiative.
“The clarity offered by the Finance Team, combined with the thoughtful and realistic questions from the parishes, made it clear that this is precisely the type of conversation we should all be engaged in.
“I feel hopeful and encouraged as we look to support one another in the outworking of the Kingdom.”
Parish Share Agreements are a new way of approaching Parish Share, built around the principles of stronger relationships and the ability to plan for longer term sustainability.
Over the next three years, the diocesan Stewardship Team is going to meet with all the parishes in the diocese face to face, with the aim to agree a three-year share request with each parish that is achievable and allows parishes to plan their finances more easily over a longer period.
The team will also look to highlight the support the diocese can offer from different diocesan teams, including our Barnabas work, stewardship support, help with church buildings and more.
To help resource parishes in this, the diocese has brought on Ann Roebuck (pictured) as Parish Support Officer, to help work with churches during the process.
Ann said: “My role is finding out about the incredible work you’re doing in your churches and how we can support you in this, particularly around your finances and parish share contributions.
“I’m really looking forward to visiting you!”
The Parish Share Agreements process will begin in October 2025, kicking off a rolling three-year period.
The Stewardship Team will be visiting all deaneries, to make sure all parishes receive their three-year parish share requests by end of October, so that they can better plan for the years ahead.
More on Parish Share Agreements, including the slides from the recent meetings and some frequently asked questions, can be found here.