Posted on 05/06/2005 10:36:49 AM PDT by sionnsar
Bishop Jenkins in Louisiana isnt the only Episcopal Bishop reduced to begging. This letter, from Bishop Dorsey Henderson of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina to each and every communicant of the Diocese reveals a dire financial situation. Due to the decisions of 13 churches to withhold funds, says the Bishop, the Diocese is staring a nearly $500,000 deficit in the face. That's just about a sixth of their total budget.
Bishop Henderson, in his wisdom, goes on to include some interesting comments about the situation he faces.
You can see that the consequence of reduced giving is suffering which is entirely local. Reduced support does send a message, but not a message that is either seen or heard by anyone outside our diocese.
[Editor's note: Well, its not much Bishop Henderson, but we here at ECUSA Dollars are willing to do our part to make sure that the message those 13 congregations are sending are seen and heard by people outside of the Diocese.]
Theres a lot more, including a great bit about Bp. Henderson helpfully pledging $10 dollars on behalf of his dog. There's also the interesting fact that the parishes withholding did accomplish at least one thing I'm sure they wanted, decreased giving to the national church. Giving, originally set to be $431,500 in the 2005 budget, has been cut nearly in half, to $252,706.
Hmm, If they'd just be willing to cut the rest of it, they'd take care of that nearly $500,000 deficit in its entirety. Everyone would win. Bishop Henderson wouldn't have to cut ministries he believes are vital, and those withholding money could make their protest at the highest level. But, somehow, I expect the Diocesan Council isn't going to put this idea into effect.
Anyway, Upper South Carolina is deep in the ranks of the red ink column. Well be interested to see whether or not this latest effort to pull themselves out accomplishes anything.
The Diocese of South Carolina is a charter member of the Anglican Network. I didn't realize that there was an Upper South Carolina dieocese as well. Could these 13 do the same thing as the 6 in Connecticut, and realign their parishes with the Diocese of South Carolina?
Reading the actual letter and the attached accounting is instructive. I note that the good bishop is taking no cut in his $118,000.00+ salary, his $20,000.00+ retirement contribution or his $12,000.00+ travel allowance. It is generous of him to pledge the munificent amount of $100.00 to help reduce the deficit! :(
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