The clergy and most members of my suburban church in the Diocese of London consider the Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) contrary to Scripture. Some members have not made up their minds about the PLF and a few accept them. The PCC spent considerable time grappling with the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) initiative, particularly whether we should withhold some of our Common Fund (parish share) donation.
Those in favour of withholding were concerned that they might otherwise support ministry which they regarded as contrary to Scripture. Those against withholding felt that the PCC should keep to its commitment for the year, and also pay its full long-term costs while it was part of the Church of England. It also became apparent that whatever the PCC decided about parish share, some in the congregation would reduce their giving in response.
Eventually, the PCC wrote to its area and diocesan bishops explaining its opposition to the proposed PLF and informing them that some of its parish share would be withheld. Whilst withholding parish share succeeded in signalling the strength of opinion, it proved controversial, even among some church members who opposed PLF.
The introduction of the Ephesian Fund provided a means for the PCC to find a more united way forward, and for members of the congregation with a variety of views to continue to give confidently to the church. Those in favour thought that it would help to ensure that their money was used to support Scriptural ministry and signal their opposition to PLF and a desire to partner with other like-minded churches. Those opposed were concerned about the extra administration, whether costed or not, and disconnection with the diocese.
Initially, the PCC could afford to give only part of its Parish Standard Cost (PSC) via the Ephesian Fund, partly because its income had fallen as a result of LLF. More recently, many church members felt sufficiently reassured by the extra governance provided by the Ephesian Fund to give generously to the church and the PCC has been able to increase its giving to cover its full PSC. The extra administration has not proved onerous and personal relationships with diocesan officers continue to be good.
So, “Thank you Ephesian Fund” for helping us to manage our financial resources wisely and release us from distracting controversy about money so that we can focus once again on Gospel ministry.
