Church refuses to meet cash demand (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Church refuses to meet cash demand

10:11am Friday 5th September 2003 in News By James Adlam

A HAMPTON Hill church has refused to increase its payments to Southwark Diocese - the Church of England’s regional authority - by the amount requested until the diocese proves that it has ‘got to grips’ with its financial crisis.

The Parochial Church Council of St James’s Church agreed to raise its contribution to the diocese, but “by considerably less than had been asked for”.

Val Traylen reports in the parish magazine: "Before committing the parish to giving more, the PCC wanted to see convincing evidence that the diocese was getting to grips with fundamental structural problems and strategic planning.

"The PCC wanted to see more mutual support within deaneries and for the diocese to be more communicative about how it spends the money parishes give."

In contrast, St James’s own news was more positive - detailed drawings have been completed for the west porch project. The church is also planning a restoration project for its stained glass windows over the next decade. An expert from the Victoria and Albert Museum has inspected the windows and was reported to be enthusiastic about renovating them.