Posted on 04/06/2018 5:54:48 PM PDT by marshmallow
LONDON (RNS) Like the widow offering small coins at the Temple in Lukes Gospel, Christians have long been encouraged to not only pray but also make a financial contribution at their place of worship.
The Church of England has now decided to make their financial transactions easier. Instead of expecting people to rummage for a few coins or bills, it plans to introduce cashless, contactless payments in its 16,000 churches and cathedrals.
The payment machines will first be used for funeral fees, wedding notices or even to buy a coffee after the service. Later, people will also be able to make their weekly offering with the machines.
After a trial carried out in 40 Anglican churches since last year, the contactless plan will be used in all dioceses. The idea took root because declining numbers of people use cash nowadays.
There is a clear need for our parishes to introduce card and contactless facilities and we are excited to make this available, said John Preston, the Church of Englands national stewardship officer.
How we pay for things is changing fast, especially for younger churchgoers who no longer carry cash, and we want all generations to be able to make the most of their place of worship.
Installing this technology does mean that one-off fees can be done via card, as can making one-off donations.
(Excerpt) Read more at religionnews.com ...
Where will the widow put her mite?
When you cannot see your money, hold it in your hand, whomever does, owns you.
The local Baptist megachurch has had those for several years. But technology has pretty much passed ‘giving stations’ by.
Online giving seems to be more popular these days.
So? My Catholic mother has her monthly donations on autopay with her bank.
Oh, at first I thought it meant that cash contributions would not be allowed.
Regards,
Do they take Bitcoin?
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