From the Church of England press office

The Church of England has launched its new Church Legacy website www.churchlegacy.org.uk with essential information for individuals considering leaving a “lasting gift” to their local church in their Will.

The website provides further information on leaving a legacy, example wording for your Will, and information for Solicitors and for PCCs. Church Legacy also shares parish stories where a legacy gift has helped transform a church’s future.

Legacies, of whatever size, are a hugely valuable source of income to parish churches, contributing £44.8 million to parish income in 2011, that’s almost £3,000 per parish church per year.

Eleanor Gill, National Legacy and Funding Officer, said: “Legacies are a fundamental part of Stewardship and our Christian Giving; leaving a gift in your Will is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can give thanks to God for the gifts of your life and lifetime.

“The website helps to communicate how gifts in Wills, are a lifeline for many of our churches, and enable them to grow their church’s ministry to young people, refurbish the kitchen, set up a support group for the community or preserve their historic church bells.”