Planned Giving: Pledge Freely

by Letters Editor · Published March 21, 2017 · Updated March 16, 2017

Brian Pretorius, Cape Town – Lots of the points raised in all the correspondence concerning parish fundraising and sustainability (February 15) are very valid points. It is important for parishes to sustain themselves, and that is why fundraising is important.

However, parishes should avoid dictating to parishioners how much they should pledge for the monthly planned giving. Parishioners should be able to pledge what they can afford.

Moreover, parish priests should not be in control of the fundraising committee. Fundraising committees and parish finance councils should work together.

I also don’t agree with parish finance councils being appointed by the parish priest, because the people who are appointed may not have the necessary financial expertise.

We could also find some priests appointing their “buddies” to this council. This could lead to corruption.

Like the parish pastoral councils, the laity should be given the opportunity to elect the parish finance councils.

With regard to the use of the parish vehicle by parish priests: as long as there is transparency and accountability I don’t see anything wrong with him using the car on his days off, providing it’s not abused.