In England, the debate on stipends, remuneration and expenses for
Anglican clergy continues – with a BBC radio investigation in the
pipeline.
The issues include pay justice, terms and conditions of work,
investment decisions and use of financial resources.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, the Presbyterian national church is looking
towards giving newly qualified ministers a “lucrative bonus” to serve in
remote rural parishes as their first charge, under plans from a Kirk
council.
The Church of Scotland’s Ministries Council has put forward proposals
for probationer ministers considering such a call to have their starting
stipend increased by around £3,000, reflecting the practice of other
professions, such as teaching.
It is hoped this will help tackle the growing number of vacancies in
isolated regions, with manse families less likely to settle outside the
central belt.
Ministries Council convener, the Rev Graham Finch, said: “Sometimes
ministers are put off applying to rural congregations because it can be
difficult for spouses to find appropriate work in the area.
“Although there is currently a small allowance given to ministers
relocating to island parishes, we felt it was necessary to have
something for far-flung congregations on the mainland too.
“Any probationer minister taking up a charge under this incentive would
be offered a stipend starting at point five on the Stipend Scale,
£26,377 instead of £23,139.
“Those appointed on this basis would be expected to fulfil a minimum of
five years in the charge and would revert to the appropriate point in
terms of years of service if leaving before such a period was completed
in office.
“The Council continues to encourage all ministers to consider prayerfully a sense of call to parishes in these areas.”
Areas that would qualify for the scheme are Caithness, Sutherland,
Lochaber, Lochcarron and Skye, Lewis, Uist, Orkney, Shetland and some
churches in Argyll.
Designated charges would be advertised indicating this and an updated
list would be circulated regularly to Probationers and those in training
for the ministry.