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2.5.3.15 - D3 -
Investment advice
This yielded a fairly even split between those who do and those
who do not, seek advice. The absolute figures should be treated with
caution, since they may be affected by factors unique to the Church
and not easily discernible to an outside analyst, the 'No' vote for
example may be inflated by "... one or two parishes who regard it as
unspiritual to keep balances, .. . if they've got anything left [at the
year-end] they give it away"
(C4)
and it would be reasonable to assume
that other parishes too might have nil or negligible funds to invest.
Of those who do seek advice though, the majority would turn initially
to the Diocesan Secretary, a few would consider the Diocesan Board of
Finance, a similar number consult experts within the parish, and one
turns to the bank.
2.5.4
Detailed comment on descriptive questions
We now come to several questions which were purely descriptive
in format. These were included with some caution because they are so
difficult to analyse; but it was felt that pertinent areas could not
be assessed in any other way, and that forcing all questions into a
Yes/No format could lead to frustration and a reduced response rate.
The following summaries therefore, whilst useful as a guide to the
results, are bound to be somewhat subjective selections.
2.5.4.1. - B1 -
How were you appointed treasurer?
The greater majority of the responses indicated an invitation
having been made and several implied that it had been coupled with an
implication of moral obligation. None suggested they had actively
sought the position. Yet the work load is apparently not onerous
(question A3) and the typical parish congregation could be expected
to include a high proportion of professional people
(C4)
. It seems
