- 80 -
of how active differing parishes are, but that they would also be
affected by factors other than resourcefulness - in particular the
presence or absence of a leader. There may also be cyclical phases
which were felt to be difficult to isolate. The fifth similarly
gives some measure of distinction between parishes, but after
discussion, it was decided that the actual incidence of church day
schools had too high an element of historical chance to make it
appropriate.
4.2.2.23
Number of covenanted givers
√ √ √ √
Probably the best measure available of the size of the committed
core of parishioners, but still falling short of being ideal - in
particular it fails to allow for patterns of amount given (see
Figure 3) and for some parishes espousing, and some eschewing,
covenants as a source of revenue. But should diocesan policy come to
be more firmly in favour of parishes adopting covenanted giving, then
it could possibly be brought into the formula to reduce rather than
increase a parish's share, thereby encouraging parishes to follow the
diocesan line.
4.2.2.24
Subscribers to parish magazine
√ √ X X
Another factor which generated discussion - whilst parish
magazines were accepted as indicating "drive and vitality" in a parish,
their circulation would normally include at least some issued free
(in some parishes all might be issued free as a means of stimulating
interest) and would often include some sold to members of other
denominations. Whilst the figure for gross circulation could easily
be obtained, its composition would probably not be so easy, it was
therefore deemed to fail the appropriateness test.
