Mission agencies in England now face increased financial difficulties owing to changes in the Church of England's pension arrangements.

A review of the provision of pensions for clergy was put before the General Synod of the Church of England last year after the Church CommissionersÕ recent losses. In July this year the Synod decided to cap pensions in order to leave the Commissioners' funds to support selected parishes in need.

The United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, which has the largest number of ordained missionaries, has said that it envisages a bill of more that £1.7 million over the next decade as a result of the change. The Church Mission Society expects an increased annual bill of £100,000. The umbrella group for the agencies, Partners for World Mission, is now negotiating with the Church Commissioners on behalf of the agencies and has asked for a period of grace.