Recently, a parishioner in one of our churches asked me an honest question. “Why don’t many Episcopalians tithe?” Good question. He went on: “In the church I grew up in, we learned to give 10% of our allowance to God in the offering at church on Sunday. But I don’t see that kind of teaching going on in many Episcopal churches. Why is that? Why don’t Episcopalians tithe?” One could tell by the look in his eyes that this person was serious. He wanted an honest answer to what seemed so basic, so logical to him.
Like many congregations, his church was struggling to raise adequate financial resources. Yet, if more people gave generously, like he learned as a child, the church would have enough money and then some. What’s up with Episcopalians and the tithe?
Read Full Article »