Proposing acceptance of the report of the Representative Church Body which deals with the Church's finances, investments, property and legal issues, Sidney Gamble (Derry and Raphoe) said that the Church faces an "extremely serious and challenging situation."

He went on to quote figures which said that the net value of the RCB's balance sheet show a decline of 12% in 2007, 42% in 2008 before an increase of 16% in 2009. Commenting on the figures Mr Gamble said they "convey something of the turmoil which have occurred in our finances." Examining the income and expenditure figures he said, "in summary terms in 2008 we had a surplus of €614,000 compared with a deficit of €751,000 for 2009." On the positive side he acknowledged "the savings achieved through the reduction of €300,000 in operating costs within Church House, both through the efforts of our office staff and a reduction in the costs of central meetings. Coupled with the return of unexpended allocations for the previous year of €338,000, these adjustments helped to reduce the deficit to €751,000 as mentioned earlier."

Even with an outlook for modest growth, he said, "there is a €1.5m gap to be bridged. Income growth will not achieve that on its own as that would need 4% per annum growth in excess of inflation over five years." He urged the groups and organisations which obtain funding to "look at the level of your spend. Do not spend it if you don't need to. Consider returning some of your allocation, to better protect the funds available for next year and the year after. Keep a focus on the continuing pressures." One example of a positive outcome through the availability of revenue reserves; he said, was "the refurbishment of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute...through the availability of RB funds conserved over previous years." Paying tribute to those involved, he said, "they delivered an outstanding result both on time and on budget."

Concluding he said, "we need to address the question of what sort of structures are required for the Church of Ireland in the 21st Century. Are the present structures, which have existed largely without alteration since disestablishment 140 years appropriate today? Are we being realistic in thinking that they continue to be needed and that they are affordable? If we persist in the view that simply tweaking allocations year on year might take us through to a future where the good times return then I think we delude ourselves. If adversity brings opportunity then we can surely continue to observe the principles of Christian giving and stewardship but do it in a way which better reflects our current and future condition."

Seconding the report, the Venerable David Pierpoint (Dublin) took up the theme of modernising Church structures. He said that the RCB's system of decision making "somewhat is archaic and needs radical transformation" and went on to cite the process of determining clergy stipends as an example. He continued, "clergy stipends are agreed at General Synod of the previous year based on the appropriate figures for Northern Ireland and the Republic, reflecting annual cost increases for the year ending the previous November." The time lag he said, "does not allow for a scene that changes quickly, and places clergy out of step with their parishioners. Surely it is about time that policies were put in place to rectify this anomaly and allow for some realistic figures upon which our stipends and ultimately our pensions are based."

Turning to property, Archdeacon Pierpoint urged vigilance by parishes in relation to churchyards and churchyard walls in particular. Speaking about the experience of one of the parishes in his diocese of Dublin he said, "in the case of Whitechurch parish, although only 12 feet of wall collapsed, a further 30 feet had to be demolished for safety reasons and the only sure solution was to replace the whole wall at a cost of €260,000. So I urge members of Synod to be as vigilant as possible."

Speaking from the floor, the Rt Revd Harold Millar emphasized that “the Mission of the RB is a very important part of the mission of the totality of the Church.” He continued, “I dare to challenge us to spiritual and financial giving sacrificially, we can’t live it all to the RCB.” The Revd Canon Walter Lewis (Connor) expressed his appreciation to the RCB for its assistance to his own parish of St Thomas, Belfast with the building of parish halls. He paid particular tribute to the Legal, Property and Financial departments for their assistance. Richard Dring (Cork, Cloyne and Ross) felt that there were many people in the pews under severe financial strain and expressed concern at costs being transferred to the dioceses and the parishes. “We need to look to the future, we need to deliver more in our parish churches” he said. The Bishop of Clogher referred to the work of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. The recent refurbishment was “to furnish a facility for all members of the Church of Ireland.” He urged members of Synod to make use of the facilities there in the months and years ahead.

On Investments and markets, Geoffrey McMaster (Glendalough) said that he was a bit confused by the ethical investment statement which he said differed to the statement presented last year. Pointing out one change which saw the removal of ‘cosmetic products that have been tested on animals’ from the statement he asked “does that mean that they are now investing in those areas?” On clergy remuneration, Henry Saville (Down and Dromore) speaking as Chairman of the Stipends Committee responded to the point raised by the Archdeacon in his seconding speech acknowledged the time lag in agreeing changes in clergy stipends is a problem. He said “the Stipends committee has been aware of this and is reviewing the process” but added this was not a matter for the committee alone.  

On Property and Trusts, Des Wallace (Cashel and Ossory) said that for many years in St Canice’s they “labored under the impression that there was a trust.” He urged that members don’t assume there is a trust. He also warned with regard to contracts that people put their insurance company on notice that you plan to enter such contracts. Adrian Hilliard (Limerick and Killaloe) noted the absence of mention of the See House in Limerick and said he would be interested in knowing what’s happening. Michael Webb (Dublin and Glendalough) praised the work of Grace Dempsey on the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. He added that one of the treasures of the library is the archives. Last year requests for archives were up 32%. He encouraged parishes to bring their records to the library. The Revd Canon David Crooks (Derry and Raphoe) said there were another four books on the Clerical succession lists in the pipeline.  

On the issue of the clergy pensions fund, Gina Hibbert (Connor) asked if the scheme was affordable. “Can we afford the increasing we’re being asked for? For us it means an increase of £2500 a year…if parishes can’t afford they will become bankrupt.” Noting that “We were told recently that other options were considered and rejected” she asked what options these were. The Archbishop of Dublin replying said that other options were looked at including more money from the RCB, closing the scheme to new entrants, raising the money from clergy alone. “We’re trying to look at shared pain…this seemed to be the fairest package.” Agnes Young (Connor) said her pension is just £109 a week. Jason Shannon (Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh) asked for consideration to be given to length of service. The Bishop of Meath and Kildare questioned the sense of disassociation between the Representative Church Body and the General Synod. “We must take a real sense of ownership and pride in its [the Representative Church Body] work…we must give the RB the enthusiastic support that it needs.”

Replying to the points made in the debate, Sidney Gamble thanked the contributors to the debate. Replying to Geoffrey McMaster’s point he emphasized that there isn’t a change in attitude on the issue of animal testing, rather that there is a change in the manner in which the issue is policed. On the See House in Limerick he said that the RCB was keeping the Diocese informed on the Matter.  

At the close of the debate a resolution stated that subject to the passing of Bill number 1 the pensionable stipend shall be £25,498 per annum in Northern Ireland and 36,219 euro in the Republic of Ireland for an incumbent or a clergy person appointed as Bishop’s Curate.  

The report was approved with an amendment to page 28 on Episcopal costs.

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