Sir, —
I note Canon Ian Ellis’s letter in June, on failure to detail in the 2025 Book of General Synod Reports, episcopal costs for the Offices of the Sees — Bishops’ expenses, in layperson terminology. He points out that the significant sums involved increased 27% in the Euro figure, to €389,660; 40% in the Sterling amount, to £271,204.
Whilst it is noted that hospitality, travel, plus office and secretarial services are paid for under the heading, the proportions are not broken down. My reading of the Book of Reports was struck by another vaguely presented monetary item. Page 61 has a note to accounts (14) which states: ‘At the balance sheet date, a legal action was ongoing between an individual and a Church of Ireland Diocese in Northern Ireland, regarding historic abuse allegations. Although the RCB is not a named defendant, it has committed to assisting the Diocese financially in relation to the matter. […] It is too early to provide a reliable estimate of the extent or timing of such costs. Accordingly, no provision has been included in the financial statements in relation to this matter.’
Given that a settlement was agreed and compensation paid in December 2023, it is surprising that no detail and no statement of apology appears in subsequent Books of Reports.
Accountability is required, in more ways than one.
Dr Niall Meehan
(Journalism and Media Faculty, Griffith College, Dublin)