100th church signs up to giving scheme

100 churches have now signed up to the Parish Giving Scheme, an innovative scheme that helps parishes manage their regular donations.

On the 20 July a celebratory event was held where the 100th church to sign up in Devon, Gulworthy, and four of the pilot parishes (who helped to launch the scheme within the Exeter diocese) were presented with certificates by the Bishop of Exeter, Robert Atwell.

He said the scheme was about releasing churches from administrative tasks to allow them to reach out to their community. In a culture dominated by ‘rights’, Christianity was counter cultural in talking about generosity and thanksgiving.

“Thanksgiving and generosity go hand in hand and we need to reclaim this culture of thanksgiving in our society. Giving opens our hearts to others.”

Donations using the scheme are already returning over half a million pounds a year to parishes within the Diocese of Exeter, with donations being passed back to the parish with Gift Aid within ten days of collection.

The unique feature of the scheme is the option for the donor to commit in principle to increase their gift annually in line with inflation. While it is a voluntary decision, it is one that could potentially have a huge impact on the life and future of the church.

John Preston, National Stewardship and Resources Adviser, told the Diocese of Exeter that it was the fastest in the country to sign up 100 churches.

“This year we will announce that £10 million is being returned to parishes nationally by the scheme and we will pass the 10,000 donor mark too.

“This innovative scheme is all about supporting and benefiting local churches, making life easier for parishes so they can focus on mission and ministry.”