STIPENDS OF CLERGY

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1931, Page 9

STIPENDS OF CLERGY

QUESTION OF REDUCTION. ■ ' - VIEWS EXPRESSED AT SYNOD. The question of reducing the stipends of clergy arose in the course of a discussion on the financial difficulties of' parishes arid the need A for further support for the central fund of the diocese at the session of the Auckland Anglican Synod on Thursday. In appealing for support for the central fund, Canon Grant Cowen said letters had been received from some vestries asking whether a reduction in their vicar’S stipend was possible. Canon Cowen said he was of opinion that; there should be no reduction in-stipends; and this was the view of the Standing committee, which hud considered the matter. . “During the recent period of prosperity, when all classes in New Zealand were enjoying larger incomes, there was no increase in the clergy’s stipends,” said Canon Coweri. “Now the clergy are called upon more than at any time; and frequently they have to dip into their pockets to give help to parishioners. This is a phase of their activities which is not widely known. In one city parish four families have been saved from losing their hoiries only by the vicar’s help. If the vestry consulted tho vicar over the church financed some solution might be found.” Mpntion was made of the case ,of clergy accepting full salary but handing back a portion to the vestry, and the opinion was expressed ' that this procedure was not justifiable. Lay members of synod expressed the view that in the case of struggling parishes some relief inight be forthcomihg by a reduction and it was suggested 0 that the matter should be investigated. . .. ‘ Mr. C. F- Bennett said there was no suggestion of unwillingness on the part of tlie clergy to make any sacrifice deemed necessary. The question naturally arose at a time when salaries all round were being reduced. 1 : No action was taken with regard to a reduction, but in the final stages of the evening session the Rev. C. A. B. Watson gave notice of motion that, “In view of the present depression, the regulation requiring a parish to. provide the vicar with’ a minimuin stipend of £350 on penalty of losing its status be suspended.” , f