The relationship between the Archbishops’ Council and Church of England dioceses and parishes is coming under increasing strain, as the financial crisis affects the amount of money the Council has to support the central structures of the Church.
A strategic review, which was published last week, warns that a below-inflation rise in the amount of money the Council has to sustain a range of national church responsÂibilities could mean that essential support services could be cut.
“That would involve a fundaÂmental change in the way that the Council works, and would require a big change in the expectations of Synod, the bishops, the dioceses, and the Church generally as to the service that the Council could provide,” says the review.
One of the Michigan Dioceses had to sell their Cathedral Church and a number of acres of land with it. The didn’t have the money to continue its support.