CHURCH of Ireland clergy are to have their annual stipends increased from January 1st, 1997. Incomes for clergy in the Republic will rise by 3 per cent to £14,465 and in Northern Ireland by 4.9 per cent to £13,850 sterling.
In a report to the General Synod from the Representative Church Body, Mr H.T. Morrison said the proposed increases and the narrowing of the differential between the two jurisdictions took into account rates of inflation and other factors.
Stipend increases had kept ahead of inflation but the Ministry Committee was constantly monitoring the situation, striving to achieve improvements in real terms in this lower inflationary period, which could also be related to pension benefits.
"Ahead of us too is the prospect of a single European currency, which the Republic of Ireland would like to join as a foundation member. If Britain remains outside or in some new EMS wider band, it could have significant implications for the management of the church's finances at central level, and this is a matter that will be constantly on our agenda," he said.