The formal process for setting the stipend for a bishop was adopted by Diocesan Council at a meeting in Fredericton on February 7. The diocese has not had such a process in the past, which was a hindrance to proper planning for both the diocese and any incoming bishop. At one time our bishop's stipend was covered by the Overseas Bishopric Fund, an endowment administered in England which paid episcopal stipends in dioceses around the world. Under this system very few people in this diocese knew how much our bishop was paid. In the 1940s it became apparent our bishop was not being adequately compensated through this fund and the diocese assumed more responsibility.
Evidence suggests the bishop's stipend was set very close to that of a parish priest's.
Between 1975 and 1985 there was pressure to increase the bishop's stipend. Times were inflationary, it was felt the heavy workload and increased responsibilities borne by a bishop needed to be compensated, and that our stipend scale should be brought in line with those in other dioceses. There was also a feeling that the stipend should reflect the value we place on the office of bishop, and even be converted to a salary in keeping with current trends. In addition to a stipend, the bishop also receives travel and car replacement allowances and reimbursement for any expenses incurred as a result of holding office and representing the diocese. The bishop must also live in Bishop's Court.