This spring, The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida will share $175,000 with its member congregations, a result of nearly 100 percent parish giving to the Diocese in 2011.
“We have attained a new culminating point in this ongoing labor towards maintaining a healthy, well-functioning diocese,” said Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith in a Feb. 2, 2012 letter to vestries. “In 2011 alone, our congregations prioritized their participation by contributing apportionment on a monthly basis, with all but 2 percent paid by year’s end.”
Money is certainly not THE problem for the Dio of SW Florida. For 2002 throgh 2010 the percentage decline in inflation adjustef Plate & Pledge was only about half of the percentage decline in ASA. But, as is the case for most of TEC, the long term stats are much worst with Marraiges down 36 percent and Infant Baptisms down 35 percent. And the band played on. Statmann
I think 815 ought to think about refunding some money to Dioceses that show statistical growth. We’ll call it the BCP Prize.