A FUND has been launched in the Diocese of Worcester to help ensure clergy and support staff can be paid during the coronavirus pandemic.

As churches and church halls remain closed, parish income has been reduced.

This means that ‘parish share’ contributions, which largely pay for our clergy, are also falling and the Diocesan Board of Finance has a limited ability to make up the shortfall.

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Bishop John said: “Ensuring we are able to pay clergy stipends is our number one financial priority.

“Although the situation is under control, the Diocese of Worcester Ministry Fund is being launched to help maximise the funds available for this purpose.

“We are clear that the commitment to the local church must come first but having such a fund will help ease pressure at a diocesan level, particularly as many parishes are needing to reduce parish share contributions.”

This central fund is for anyone who wishes to contribute to stipend and wage costs, over and above supporting their parish church as a first priority.

Many churches in the county are still keeping Christians together in faith by the use of modern technology.

Worcester Cathedral is streaming its 8.30am service each morning on the Cathedral Facebook page.

The Cathedral organists and lay Clerks are releasing musical content each evening at 6:30pm on their Facebook page.

Each day, All Saints in Worcester is streaming 11am morning prayer and 10pm Compline as well as a Sunday service at 10.30am on YouTube.

Zoom interface is used by Holy Trinity & St Matthew, Ronkswood.

Sunday worship is via Zoom on at 10am and 6pm. Details about how to join in are on the parish website.