14-04-2025
Dean of Guernsey warns of implications if rectory funding axed
The Dean of Guernsey says a proposal to stop ratepayers funding rectories will lead to "significant implications". The States of Guernsey is due to debate a Policy and Resources Committee report on Wednesday linked to a dispute involving Torteval and St Saviour parishes over the maintenance costs of a Church of England Guernsey's parishes are required to provide housing for rectors with the costs covered by ratepayers, but two deputies have proposed ending the policy from Very Reverend Tim Barker said he respected the "clear resolution of the States", but he cautioned work was needed to "consider the consequences".
'Difficult to justify'
An amendment from Deputies Al Brouard and Susan Aldwell to the Parochial Church Property (Guernsey) Law 2015 called for a requirement for parishes to provide and cover clergy housing costs to be stopped from deputies said they felt the obligation to provide rectories free of charge had become "difficult to justify" in the 21st Barker said: "There will be significant implications, primarily for the clergy and their families who will be directly affected by the decision, but also for the Deanery of Guernsey and the work and ministry of our churches."We need to work carefully with the parishes and others to consider the consequences of the States resolution and what happens next."
