Now that the Diocesan Synod has agreed the London Diocesan Fund budget for 2016 we wanted to share with you some of the key elements of the budget and our plans for 2016 and beyond.
As a result of generous pledges from parishes, coupled with the vital work of our Property Department in generating additional income and releasing capital to reinvest, we have a balanced budget and optimism for the future. We are very grateful for the Common Fund pledges you have made as they are the foundation of our General Fund income. On the capital side, our Capital Strategy is a new focus this year, and it sets out how we will be generating higher levels of income from our investment properties to help finance our General Fund activities, and how we will be releasing some capital sums from parsonage developments over the coming five years, and how we will be reinvesting this money.
We believe this budget will fuel some exciting plans which – by the grace of God – will enable us to support the mission and growth of the church in London both in 2016 and in the years ahead, through:
If you would like to understand more about our plans you can read the full budget and five year plan commentary, available to download below.
We are blessed with talented people across the Diocese, an inspiring strategy in Capital Vision 2020 and some resources to invest – but we are reminded that “unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain” Psalm 127:1. So we pray that God will take our plans and use them and shape them as he sees fit, and for his glory.
Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. With best wishes for a joy-filled Christmas and New Year.
The Rt Revd Richard Chartres DD KCVO, Bishop of London
Richard Gough, General Secretary
