Synod to Consider Changes to Existing DM&M Formula

Two upcoming pre-synod meetings will focus on a proposal to revise the formula by which parishes make a contribution to the work of the wider Church. This work includes our diocesan ministries - be it supporting youth ministry like the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) or social justice ministry such as our efforts to support refugees - as well as national and international ministries. Known as the Diocesan Mission and Ministry, or DM&M, this assessment provides a common way for parishes in the diocese to contribute their fair share towards this vital work.

"Our goal in reviewing and revising the DM&M formula was to make it more equitable across all parishes, large and small, urban and rural, old and new, to bring greater clarity to the calculation and to reduce the staff time taken to review, correct and finalize the DM&M statements," said diocesan Treasurer, Jody Beck. "It was important that any new formula produced the same total DM&M amount as currently generated, and not cause any one parish a severe change in the amount of their fair share."  

A small working group made up of members of the Financial Advisory Committee put in many hours of test calculations to come up with a formula that would meet these criteria. Past proposals for DM&M changes were reviewed along with the formulas used by other dioceses and denominations. The end result is a proposed new assessment calculation that seeks to be simpler, clearer and more equitable.

The details of the proposal will be discussed in detail at the pre-synod meetings held at the following two locations, both at starting at 7:00pm:

Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at St. Columba in St. Catharines; and

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at St. George's in Lowville.

"Those who are synod delegates, clergy, wardens and treasurers will be especially interested in the pre-synod meetings, in order to give input at our one-day synod on November 5,” noted Canon Marni Nancekivell, Secretary of Synod.

In addition to this proposal, the 2017 / 2018 diocesan budget will also be presented for information and discussion at the pre-synod meetings.