Let us pay: Contactless card donations introduced at Black Country churches
Cashless donations have arrived at churches across the Black Country as the traditional collection plate at Sunday services is replaced by one with a contactless card machine.
The move is designed to avoid the time-honoured fumble for cash when the collection plate is passed round – and to reverse the first Church of England’s drop in cash donations in almost half a century.
Collections have been affected by the increase in people who no longer carry cash on them, say church chiefs.
The Lichfield Diocese recently launched trials of the digital devices, with churches either setting up terminals at the back of buildings or passing them around the pews.
Eighteen parishes taking part in the trial have reported promising early results.
Reverend Jim Trood, rector at St Matthews Church in Walsall, one of the parishes taking part, said: “One of the older members at our church said he thought it was great, commenting it was so much easier than having to find the right money to put on the collection plate.”
As well as weekly service collections, the terminals are also being used for one-off donations at weddings, baptisms and funerals.
Payments of up to £20 can be made via debit card or Apple and Android pay and included in Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme claims.
Jess Dace, deputy finance director of the Lichfield Diocese, said: “Contactless is all around us, why not in our churches.
"It’s a great way for parishes to give people another option when donating and help ease administrative burdens.
"The devices have eight hours of rechargable battery life so can be left securely on a table.
“The potential for larger services and occasional visitors is tremendous.
"We hope this will not only raise much-needed funds but also encourage people to give more freely.”
The aim is to have a device in every church over the next five years, she added.
Donations are sent via mobile phone signal without the need for WiFi. If there is no signal, the data is saved until a signal is found.
The C of E’s national stewardship and resources officer John Preston said: “How we pay for things is changing fast, especially for younger churchgoers, who no longer carry cash, and we want all generations to be able to make the most of their place of worship.
“Installing this technology does mean that one-off fees can be done via card, as can making one-off donations.
"The vast bulk of regular giving will continue to be done by standing order as we continue our trial with various technologies.”
The amount of money given by direct debit or standing order to the church’s 12,600 parishes, their largest source of income, has fallen for the first time since records began in 1964.
