Budget 2008

Diocesan Council at its March meeting approved the diocesan budget for the current year, and referred a "vision budget" for 2009 to Diocesan Synod in May. Here's the current budget that was approved:

Where the money comes from

THE LARGEST PORTION of the diocesan budget comes from parishes. People putting money in the collection plate (or in this day and age, contributing by way of automatic bank withdrawals or credit cards) contributed 75% of diocesan revenues. Income is up because of growth in revenues in several parishes.

THE GENEROSITY OF ANGLICANS in past years who have donated to the Diocese of New Westminster in wills and gifts is reflected in this figure. The income here is from undesignated gifts; designated funds are listed below. Most of the capital is invested in the diocese's Consolidated Trust Fund (CTF). In 2007, the return on this fund was minimal (0.10%). Income set aside in previous years is being used.

Diocesan Growth Fund - $50,000

This special fund, the "D.G.F." Fund to which parishes with above average incomes collectively are called to contribute $200,000 each year, provides funds for the growth of the diocese. Some $35,000 from this fund will support curates.

Anglican Initiatives Fund - $35,000

THE "A.I.F." FUND was set up in 1988 to provide the financial means to take on initiatives within the diocese which might not otherwise be pursued. It receives all undesignated bequests. It also funds part of Planned Giving.

Various Other Funds - $186,250

INCLUDED are the Diocesan Housing Fund, the Murrin Fund for clergy support and education, the Vancouver Foundation's fund for support of the Vancouver School of Theology, the Columbia Coast Mission Fund for Aboriginal Ministry and the F. J. Burd and the E. D. Farmer Funds to assist retired clergy.

ONE PRIEST licensed by Bishop Michael Ingham works with the Corrections Service of Canada as a prison chaplain. She serves the Pacific Institution/Regional Treatment Centre in Abbotsford. The government of Canada reimburses the diocese for the cost of her position.

FEES include an annual self-insurance fee charged to all parishes in case of short term clergy illness or injury, donations to the Anglican Journal and TOPIC, fees for clergy retreats and counselling, and parish fees for Synod.

Where the money goes

AS PARISHES SUPPORT the Diocese, the Diocese supports our national church, the Anglican Church of Canada. The amount listed here goes to the Primate's Office, general administration, and communications. About an eighth of this figure is sent to the provincial synod plus a $5,000 grant to support the Anglican Communion Office in London through the Compass Rose Society.

BISHOP MICHAEL INGHAM is pastor to the whole diocese, and chief executive officer of Synod. He represents New Westminster Anglicans at the provincial and national and international synods and councils. He visits parishes, preaches or celebrates in the Cathedral each Christmas and Easter, inducts clergy in their new parishes, leads clergy retreats and conferences, and holds confirmations. He is assisted by the Executive Archdeacon.

SUPPORT FOR PARISHES includes two positions, the Director of Parish Support Ministries, who works with parishes on many aspects of their ministry, and a Resource Associate (part time) who works on the Ministry Assessment Process ("the MAP"). New curate support, a chaplaincy program at the University of British Columbia, clergy replacement, and the Church Depot and some other programs are in this category.

Support for clergy includes theological education, professional development, conferences and retreats, archdeaconry and deanery expenses, and clergy counselling. For retired clergy the diocese continues to contribute toward the cost of their health benefits.

THE DIRECTOR of Planned Giving and his Administrative Assistant help those who wish to contribute to the diocese or their parish with a major gift while they are still alive. Links are maintained with donors, and support is given to all Anglicans who request it on such matters as creating a will and planning an estate. In 2007-8, the Director is spending a great deal of time helping Camp Artaban's capital campaign for a new dining hall.

Diocesan Outreach - $173,250

REACHING OUT to our communities, local, national, and international, is something Anglicans have always done and will continue to do. This item incorporates Camp Artaban, Sorrento Centre, Mission to Seafarers, the Evangelism Unit, and youth programs, among others. Diocesan Outreach includes the work of the diocesan program coordinator (full-time), the diocesan coordinator for societal ministry (a half-time position), and prison chaplaincy (reduced from two to one chaplain).

National and International Outreach - $255,600

Slightly over half of this amount goes to partnerships in Canada and internationally; slightly under half goes to the Council of the North, which supports northern dioceses and parishes.

TOPIC, the diocesan newspaper; www.vancouver.anglican.ca, the diocesan website; work to present the diocese's key messages in the secular media, both print and broadcast; and the many brochures, posters, and pamphlets that go out to keep Anglicans and non-Anglicans well informed belong in this category. A diocesan communication officer oversees these functions.

THE BUSINESS SIDE of the diocese includes payroll and general accounting, the business administrator, the comptroller, payroll clerk, clerical help, the bishop's administrative assistant, and receptionist services. There are also financial audit, legal costs, and a small contingency fund. The diocesan business office also provides assistance for parish treasurers, wardens, and clergy.

SPACE FOR THE DIOCESAN OFFICE and all the necessary equipment and supplies: printing, postage, software, equipment & furniture, leasehold improvements, rent, utilities, insurance, telephone, equipment maintenance, supplies, other administrative expenses - all these are included.

SYNOD MEETINGS in the Diocese of New Westminster are by practice usually held annually. Money has also been set aside to help pay the cost of sending delegates to the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, which is held every three years.

THE DIOCESAN ARCHIVES are located at the Vancouver School of Theology. The holdings document the activities of the diocesan administration, as well as the activities of related organizations, deaneries, parishes and some individuals. They are managed by the Diocesan Archivist.