Diocese of Chichester

By Gabrielle Higgins, Diocesan Secretary

As we head into the summer, I wanted to thank you all for the magnificent response there has been on parish share despite the impact of the virus and all that that has involved. The generosity that has been shown has been truly inspiring.

As we approach the end of July, our collection rate is less than 7% below what we would normally expect and we are enormously encouraged by the fact that well over half of the respondents to a recent survey indicated that they believed they could maintain their parish share payments even if lockdown continued for the rest of the year.

Donations from parishes in excess of their original pledge have been a particularly encouraging demonstration of commitment to the household of faith to which we all belong. The generosity of those who can afford to pay more is hugely appreciated and crucial to supporting those who are suffering more.

We have also been very moved by the many communications we have received explaining the difficulties faced and the sorrow felt at having to reduce payments. We would like to reassure you that, although we have been unable to reply to each message individually, we do recognise the difficulties and are very grateful for the sacrificial giving which has enabled you to give as much as you have.

We are also conscious that some of you have been drawing on reserves in order to maintain payments, for which we are also very grateful. We are only too aware that as reserves are used up, payments are likely to fall further, as some of you have already warned. So once again, thank you!

Have a good rest of the summer,

Gabrielle Higgins

Diocesan Secretary