Diocesan Mission & Ministry Proposal Returns to Synod

“We have been examining, for three years now, the Diocesan Ministry and Mission (DM&M) assessment in light of current realities faced by parishes,” says Canon Richard Moorse, chair of the special subcommittee tasked with its review. “Our goal is to simplify and standardize the calculations while keeping the impact of any change as neutral as possible in terms of our diocesan revenue.”

DM&M contributions support the important local, diocesan, national, and international work of our church through sharing the generous gifts received at our churches. While the assessment formula is unique to our diocese, the concept is a common feature of Anglican identity in that it seeks to ensure the ministry of the church flourishes at all levels in faithful and innovative ways.  

The proposed formula takes a parish’s total income, subtracts essential ministry expenses common to all parishes and then multiplies that figure by a standard rate to arrive at a DM&M assessment. Eligible deductions include expenses related to worship and ministry space; ordained leadership; housing for clergy and licensed lay workers, and outreach. Responsive to feedback by members of synod council, the committee has given assurance that project-specific grants will not be subject to DM&M assessment.

“The vast majority of parishes will see very little impact to their assessment when compared to the current formula,” says diocesan Treasurer Joanna Beck. “For the handful of parishes who will see a more significant increase in their assessment, we are committed to working with them so that their ministries are not disproportionately impacted.”

Parish corporations and synod delegates have been mailed a package detailing the proposed formula and its potential implications for their 2018 DM&M assessment. After initial consideration last year, a motion to enact the proposal will be returning to synod in November.

Two information sessions are planned for Saturday, November 4 at Cathedral Place; one in the morning from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and another in the afternoon from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Those who are interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Ruth Anne Martin at 905-527-1316 extension 560 or ruthanne.martin@niagaraanglican.ca.