Church of England Go Contactless

Church of England trials contactless payment collection.

17:15 23 January 2019

The Church of England has partnered with technology firm SumUp to allow parishioners to make contactless payment using a portable device. It has since reported a 97per cent increase in donations at services trialling a digital collection box.

 

Interested parties who wish to make a donation can use the technology by choosing a sum from four options decided by the Church. Developers said that the technology has been designed to support 500 transactions and allow congregations to donate before, during or after the service.

 

The Rev Margaret Cave, vicar of Christ Church East Greenwich, London, where the scheme is being trialled, said: "We have seen the age profile of Christ Church get lower over the last few years as we have welcomed more families, children and young people," she said.

 

"Most young people don't carry cash so it's important for us as a church to be ahead of the curve embracing modern technology and working with new ways for people to make donations."