Press Releases
RCB NEWS
The Representative Body (RCB) met on 9 December 1998 in the Church of Ireland College of Education.
A report from a review group recommending that a full time chaplain be appointed to the University of Ulster at Jordanstown was accepted. It is expected that a full time appointment will be made during the first half of 1999. This new appointment will be financed from the central funds of the RCB. The Allocations Committee of the RCB made an interim report recommending allocations for 1999 provisionally estimated to cost circa IR£2.605 million. Final figures will be calculated in February when the financial results for 1998 and statistical data will be reviewed.
The RCB also agreed to recommend to the General Synod next year that statutory minimum stipends be increased by £2400 in two instalments of £1200 each over the two years 2000 and 2001 in addition to routine annual percentage increases. This adjustment takes into account the views of the dioceses following a survey carried out earlier in the year. The RCB also agreed in principle to support pro rata increases for pensioners subject to formal evaluation of the actual capital costs in due course. (Stipends will be increased by 5% in 1999 as approved by the General Synod last May).
The Archbishop of Armagh, in the Chair, paid tribute to the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross who was attending his last meeting of the RCB prior to his retirement at the end of the year.
Further information from:
THE CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
Church of Ireland House
61-67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH