God has called the whole body of the Church to share in his mission to the world. Within that body, he calls some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip all his people for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. (From the Institution, CofE)
Being part of the Church of the Church of England means learning a whole new vocabulary. When I first joined the CofE, I found it a real challenge to learn the various names and roles that appear in the church hierarchy. Here’s a quick lesson relevant to our welcoming our new Rector.
As you know, over the last couple of years, The Shingay Group of Churches have been without an incumbent – a Priest in Charge. We have been in vacancy.
We are now thrilled to be preparing to officially welcome Reverend Samuel Perez as our new Rector.
So, what is a Rector and is it different from a Vicar?
Today, both names are used interchangeably and there is no difference. However, historically it came down to how they were paid a living. In those days, the churches were funded by tithes. This was a local tax that was levied on everyone. Everyone was expected to pay one-tenth of all they produced to the church either in cash or produce, the latter being stored in the tithe barns. The Rector would be entitled to receive all the tithes. Some Rectors were clergymen but some were not (Lay Rectors). If the Rector had a clergyman working with him, he would be referred to as the Vicar. The Rector would be responsible for paying a lesser share of the tithe to the Vicar for his up-keep. Today, those parishes that historically had a Rector, have retained that title. Similarly, where the clergyman was historically a Vicar, they have Vicars today.
And of course, renumeration is very different nowadays too. Clergy are now paid stipends. A stipend is essentially funded by the donations of those who regularly attend or support the local church. Contrary to public opinion, the Church of England does not pay its clergy and staff from historical wealth, it doesn’t exist. The money managed by the Church Commissioners essentially only goes as far as paying for the bishops, the central organisation, pensions, and the training of new clergy. Funding our local priest is up to us. What it comes down to is, if we want to keep a Rector for the Shingay Group then we have to raise the money to pay for him.
But for now we are looking forward to Wednesday October 2nd, when Father Sam will be authorised by Bishop Dagmar for the spiritual and pastoral care of all the persons within the parishes (the Institution), and then given the responsibility, by Archdeacon Alex, for the property and running of the Benefice (the Induction).
We thank God for sending Father Sam to us, and we pray for him as he prepares for October 2nd and all that follows in our shared journey.
Revd Ann Bol
Associate Priest
Shingay Group of Churches