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Rationale of new Church of England rules on fees

by
28 March 2013

iStock

From Mr John J. C. Freeman
Sir, - The Revd David Rowley of Derby diocese asked (Letters, 22 February) about how we arrived at 80 per cent of the statutory clergy fee for retired clergy officiating at funerals and weddings, etc. The reason was that payments to retired clergy varied across the dioceses from Derby's two-thirds to others, such as the diocese of Chester, that paid the full fee.

The new rules settled on the sensible compromise of 80 per cent, not fully supported in the diocese of Chester, but sharing the logic that the retired clergy have, by and large, accepted the new figure that whatever they were receiving is an increase on what was paid in 2012.

Administering the payment of fees can be made very simple for incumbents, PCC treasurers, and the retired clergy themselves if the practice that has been generally adopted and advised in the diocese of Chester is adopted. It is that funeral directors are instructed to present one cheque to the church official at the funeral for all fees payable to incumbents, retired clergy, PCC, vergers, and organists, etc.

For weddings, it is good practice to ensure that a cheque similarily made out to the PCC is paid before the day of the wedding. It is the PCC's responsibility to reimburse those involved, preferably monthly. Ideally, an exception should be made for the retired clergy. It is good and courteous practice to leave them a cheque from the PCCin the church safe, for their collection at the end of the service.

Whatever else is done, payments of cash in brown envelopes should be avoided.

JOHN J. C. FREEMAN
Synod member for Chester diocese
Stable Court, 20a Leigh Way
Weaverham, Northwich CW8 3PR

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