Many churches are asset rich and cash poor. They are finding that the level of need in the community is stretching their resources.
Hamilton diocese general manager Greg Schmidt says the Catholic Church is now run largely as a business despite its charitable purpose. He is a chartered accountant with a master’s degree in business administration.
“We’re not a business but we do operate in a business-like manner. The Church has always had very good governance structures,” he says.”A quality staff is key. I need to have experienced and well-qualified staff.”
While the diocese is seeing growing numbers at services and its donations should again top $3m this year, the community’s need for its help has “grown markedly” as the recession’s impact hits, Mr Schmidt says.
Source
Waikato Times
News category: New Zealand.
