Church of England is 'heading for financial disaster' due to net-zero targets and slavery reparations, report warns
A new report has identified schemes as 'unrealistic, extravagant, unsustainable and deeply depressing'
TL;DR
- A report warns the Church of England is heading towards financial ruin.
- Costly net-zero targets and slavery reparations are identified as key drivers of financial issues.
- 37 out of 42 dioceses are currently running budget deficits, more than double the number in 2019.
- The report criticizes the Church's carbon reduction plans (£190m) and Project Spire (£100m) as 'unrealistic, extravagant, unsustainable and deeply depressing'.
- Diocesan bureaucracy has expanded significantly, with staff numbers rising 80% since 2005, while parish clergy have declined.
- Authors recommend slashing administrative roles and merging dioceses from 42 to 30.
- The Church of England acknowledges the report and states it is reviewing structures and committed to its net-zero goals and Project Spire.
- The Church Commissioners remain committed to net-zero and are distributing significant funds to support the Church, including record amounts for clergy, bishops, cathedrals, and grants to dioceses and parishes.