In their zeal to be frugal, it seems that some Niagara parishes are considering firing their clergy. Bishop Michael Bird isn’t happy with this and has sent out a letter scolding parishes tempted to subvert his vision of a Generous Culture of Stewardship in this way:
We have heard of several parishes that are considering a motion at their Annual Vestry meeting to reduce the level of clergy staffing to save money in the parish budget. We want to remind clergy and churchwardens that the appointment of licensed clergy and lay workers and the conditions of their employment are under the purview of the Bishop (not the Vestry). To entertain such a motion has ethical and legal implications, reaching far beyond budgetary concerns.
Impecunious parishes need not despair, though: the letter goes on to offer a vague hope of diocesan assistance. I expect the bishop will be donating a portion of his $112,000 stipend to flagging congregations. Those wishing to apply for grants should send an email to: bishop@niagara.anglican.ca.
There is an easier way. Stop going to that church. The hierarcht might eventually get the message that people aren’t buying what they'[re trying to sell.
In this case, the bishop “buys” it (appoints his clergy pets) and the parishes are forced to pay for it.
Did he really cite “ethical concerns”?
wow – imagine being the clergy at those vestries – “Awkward”. Do you know how many and which churches are requesting this? – interesting way to get out from under the Diocesan teachings!
If a Parish can’t afford the salary of a Priest than I have to wonder just how bad its financial situation is. Probably so bad that those Parishes won’t last much longer anyway.
Does anyone else foresee closures, mergers, and selling off of no longer needed buildings?
This leads me to an interesting thought. If St. James and St. Pauls merge they become “St. James and St. Pauls”. If St. Marks and St. Luke merge they become “St. Marks and St. Lukes”. But what if “St. James and St. Pauls” than merge with “St. Marks and St. Lukes”? Does the resulting Parish become “St. James and St. Pauls and St. Marks and St. Lukes”? And what happens when this Parish merges with yet another Parish (perhaps one that is also the result of several merges)?