Proposer of the Representative Church Body Report, Mr Robert Neill, Chairman of the RB Executive Committee reported to General Synod that after several challenging years, the longer term outlook for Church finances is now more stable.   Mr Neill repeated his 2013 challenge to General Synod to review its management of property and assets under the Constitution, to enable them to be disposed to the glory of God and for the benefit of the whole church.

While the Church needs to remain vigilant and prudent in its management of Church assets, the careful management over the last number of years is bearing fruit. Mr Neill expressed thanks for the ongoing support of the whole church to support arrangements in respect of the Clergy Pension Fund which was closed last year before the new contributory scheme was established.

Seconding the report, the Rt Revd Trevor Williams reminded parishes that their responsibilities to safeguard historic and significant properties means that they must take great care when planning restoration and renovation works to comply with legislative guidelines. The RB provides guidance to parishes regarding building projects and the procedures that exist from parish to diocese to RB have been developed over many years to provide a solid framework to assist parishes. Failure to comply with legislative requirements can result in huge bills for parishes, which can impede other aspects of ministry, which should be the primary focus of our activity.

Both Mr Neill and Bishop Williams emphasised that the assets of the Church are used to support the ministry of the Church. “In central church committees we are realising that the survival of the Church is not enough, we must be empowering the Church for mission.”

During the debate, the Bishop of Connor spoke with passion about the support of the RCB for projects that seek to re–vision the Church in areas such as city centre Belfast. Mr Geoffrey McMaster spoke of the need to maintain an ethical investment policy and to be constantly vigilant about the activities of companies at all times. Mr Henry Saville of the Investment Committee, said that this is a constant concern for the committee. The Revd Eileen Cremin asked if it was time to consider what to do with old Church silver that is no longer in use? Dr Michael Webb commended the ‘Archive of the Month’, which can be found on the Church website and in the Church of Ireland Gazette, which is produced by Dr Ray Refaussé and Dr Susan Hood in the RCB Library.

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