Shropshire church trialling contactless card donations
Contactless giving has become a way of life – and now you can give your church collection with a tap of the card.
Small terminals, which can be set up at the back of church buildings or passed around the pews, are being trialled by the Diocese of Lichfield.
They are being tested in 18 parishes and allow people to donate up to £20 via debit card or Apple and Android pay.
St Mary’s Church in Leighton, between Shrewsbury and Telford, is one of those trialling the devices.
Church treasurer Alison Sloan said: “It’s a really simple device to use. It will make it easier for people to donate to the church which is great.
“People can donate either £2, £5, £10 or £20. You choose how much you want to donate, wave your card at it and it’s done.
“We’ve only been using it a few weeks. Most people are still coming to services with cash so I think it will take time to adjust.”
Contactless had its first outing at the church during a baptism service.
Ms Sloan said: “Most of the congregation had come armed with cash but one brave gentleman gave it a go and it worked as expected with no hitches.
“That’s a pretty good outcome for new technology.”
Reverend Jim Trood, rector at St Matthews Church in Walsall, another parish taking part, said parishioners had backed the scheme.
He added: “One of the older members said he thought it was great, commenting it was so much easier than having to find the right money to put on the collection plate.”
Diocesan deputy finance director Jess Dace said: “Contactless is all around us, why not in our churches.
“It’s a great way for parishes to give people another option when donating and help ease administrative burdens.
“The devices have eight-hours of rechargeable battery life so can be left securely on a table.
“Donations are sent via mobile phone signal so there is no need to worry about Wi-Fi – if there is no signal the data is saved until a signal is found.”
