Giving at Halifax Minster

The Church of England has always encouraged people to give 10% of their income away: 5% to the church and 5% to their chosen charities, and we support and encourage this approach here.  Many people ask “How much should I be giving?” The table below gives a model of how much you might want to give in relation to your income.  If you also Gift Aid your contribution (an option available to all UK tax payers) the Minster can claim 22p from the Government in every pound you give.

Please think about how much you are able to give, and be as generous as you can.  All giving to the church is managed by our Parish Giving Officer and what you give is, of course, entirely confidential matter.

Why we give:

The church must – like any other organisation – pay its own way. As a church we want to be free to use our funds in the best possible way to enable our mission and ministry in Halifax.  This includes caring for our biggest resource – the Minster itself – as a place of worship and prayer, and as a source of income itself through events and activities for groups and organisations across Halifax and Calderdale.  It also includes paying for energy and staffing and making our contribution to the Common Fund.  We work hard to keep our spending down, with annual reviews of energy and maintenance costs, seeking competitive quotes for work undertaken, and challenging ourselves in our ways of working to avoid waste.

What is the Common Fund?

The Common Fund is our contribution towards the running of our Diocese of Wakefield, and is the traditional way the Anglican Church has always funded ministry. In return for our share, we receive the funding for two full time clergy posts (the Vicar and Curate) and soon we hope to have a Lecturer who will not receive payment, but housing, in return for three days work in support of the Minster. We also receive legal support and advice, which the Minster has made full use of in recent years together with the help of the Support Officers across many different aspects of Christian ministry. Payment of the Common Fund is also about our social responsibility to support other parishes that exist in some of the poorest parts of the Diocese and indeed throughout the land. Bearing in mind the fact that one full time priest costs the Diocese £57,000 per annum, in paying our current Common Fund share of £70,000 we are receiving huge benefits in return.

How to give:

The best way to give is by standing order.  This allows the Minster to budget for income and manage the practical affairs of running the church in the most responsible way for those who supply us with services and in our support of our Diocese. There is a standing order form with Gift Aid declaration on the reverse of this flyer – please use this by filling it in and sending it to your bank or by setting up the standing order by phone or online using the details given.  You can also give using our envelope scheme or by putting cash on the collection plate at any service.  If you give by standing order there are ‘gifting cards’ available at the back of church to symbolise your offering which can be put on the communion plate each week.

Legacy and Wills

The Minster has been remembered by many generous benefactors in the past. Why not consider leaving the Minster something in your Will today, and set up a legacy?

If you would like further information or to discuss this or any other aspect of giving please contact our Parish Giving Officer Keith Rushworth on 01422 354769

Standing Order

The best way to manage your giving to the church is by Standing Order – this means that we can manage the church’s budget knowing when and how our income is coming in.  If you would like give to the work of the Minster via standing order click here to download a standing order form.  Please complete the form and send it to your bank or use the details to set up a standing order by phone or online with your bank.