The bishops’ contribution

On June 13 the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE) released the 2011 annual Report on balance sheet assets from various sources, including all 69 Spanish dioceses.  The Church’s commitment is of support to the State. During a press conference for the presentation of the Report, Fernando Jiménez Barriocanal, CEE Vice-President for Economic Affairs, pointed out that the Report shows that each euro invested in the Church is well invested. In fact, in concrete terms it amounts to 2.39 euro invested in the same services offered by the market. Thus, in spite of less resources compared to previous years “more activities have been carried out whilst saving on management costs”, said Jiménez Barriocanal. In times of crisis, such as those we are living today “in which offerings may decrease, we witness greater commitment with the support of the Church”. The Spanish Church provided support to a total number of 4.3 million people in Spain, allowing the State to save 1,139 million euros. In fact, the services offered by the Church in 7,743 charitable institutions at national level, all based on free bestowal and efficiency, has cost the Catholic Church 818 million euros. But if the same services had been provided by the State, according to current market costs, it would have been 1,139 million more. Positive figures. Jiménez Barriocanal focused on the chapters of the report devoted to 2011 tax deductions to the Catholic Church, amounting to 247.9 million euros. Thus 9 million taxpayers, “namely, 34.83% of all tax forms”, said Barriocanal, declared the Catholic Church as the beneficiary of the contribution. “These are positive figures” he added. As relates to the funds allocation, the Vice-President for CEE Economic Affairs said that advance payments amount to 159 million euros, which cover only 50% of expenses for new activities and 25% of restructuring costs, as “there is less money available”. Jiménez Barriocanal also mentioned “the extraordinary contribution of one million euro donated by the bishops to diocesan Caritas centres”.Catholic schools. Across 22.800 parishes in Spain 20 000 priests promote pastoral care in a wide range of areas, ranging from evangelization to prison pastoral care, from assistance to the poor and the needy to Catechesis. “Over 49 million hours are dedicated to pastoral activity” thanks to the commitment of priests, religious and volunteers, which “is of great relevance today”, said Jiménez Barriocana. There was also special mention of Catholic education. “Today 2465 Catholic centres enable the State to save 4.091 million euro, according to figures released by the Ministry of Education”. A major commitment. Answering questions by journalists, Jiménez Barriocanal said that the Church “has not been contacted in matters relating to” the law on transparency. However, he pointed out, “we consider utmost transparency with society a major objective”. “Owing to the Church’s commitment in the realm of education, in the formation of values, and for charity works, Spanish society could not be conceivable without the presence of the Catholic Church”, he added. In fact, “the major commitment carried out by Church bodies, especially significant given the ongoing economic downturn, is part and parcel of Spanish society”. Finally, referring to the question of property tax (Ibi) Jiménez Barriocanal pointed out: “Legislative competence in local taxes is the function of the Spanish Parliament”. As regards the IBI tax, the Church is subject to the same tax treatment as foundations or institutions, as provided for in the patronage law. To speak of a preferential tax treatment is incorrect in law”.