CoI Bishops Called To Disclose Salaries

A Church of Ireland Synod has said its bishops should reveal how much they're paid.

The synod yesterday unanimously passed a motion requesting details of what their two archbishops and 10 bishops are paid.

Proposing the motion for disclosure of the salaries, on the second day of the annual General Synod in Galway, Dr Alan Acheson, of the Connor diocese, said the Church of Ireland should follow the example of the Church of England and publish the salaries of bishops and the costs incurred by their ministry.

If the motion is carried through, the salary arrangements would be published each year.

Referring to the Church of Ireland as a "voluntary organisation", Dr Acheson argued: "We owe it to our faithful people to provide detailed information in the matter of resourcing their bishops".

He added such a practice would potentially "uncover the fact that some of our bishops are under-resourced in point of administrative support."

"Not to publish costs is contrary to best practice and contrary to the practice of other Anglican provinces. Transparency breeds trust," he said.

On Wednesday, the Synod was addressed by the Irish President, Mary McAleese, the first time a head of state had spoken at such a meeting.

She told the group that Ireland was at a "zero-hour….at times struggled to credibly showcase Christian values".

Ms McAleese also outlined her vision for the role the church played in the climate of the so-called credit crunch.

She said: "This period of reseeding is a time for patient, courageous visionaries who dare to believe in a bumper harvest, not simply of the consumer goods or gadgets, or the personal comforts bought with accumulated wealth, but of an island at peace, a place of vibrant caring communities."

The Synod concludes on Thursday.

(DW)