Gifts of life: leaving the gift of a legacy
‘And if he have not before disposed of his goods, let him then be admonished to make his Will, and to declare his debts, what he oweth, and what is owing unto him; for the better discharging of his conscience, and the quietness of his Executors. But men should often be put in remembrance to take order for the settling of their temporal estates, whilst they are in health.’ (1662 Book of Common Prayer)
Gifts of value
The numbers can make your eyes water. By 2050, about £5.5 trillion will pass from one generation to the next and the number and value of gifts in Wills, legacies, will rocket. Worth £4.5billion to charities in 2024 (a bumper year) legacies will hit £5billion by 2030 and £10billion by 2050 (source). The Church of England is in the mix. Over £60million is entrusted to parishes through gifts in wills every year and growing well. But we’re hesitant to ask. Our huge regular giving is not reflected in our legacy gifts.
Gifts of life
We connect wills and legacies with death and dying. But our legacy is a gift of life. Our legacy is how we remember the things that matter to us, in life. Our legacy is how our life is remembered. Large and small, legacies bless our churches. Change lives. Make possible the impossible. See Sylvia’s story.
Gifts of love
The Church of England has been talking wills and legacies for 500 years because it is good stewardship of all we have and all we love. Making and keeping our Will up to date is an act of loving wisdom and loving kindness to those we leave behind at a time of grief and loss. When we’ve provided for loved ones, our legacy is a natural part of our generous discipleship.
Responding well, today
Wills and legacies are good, biblical stewardship practice. We must invite them. If we don’t, other charities will. Every church needs a legacy strategy. There’s guidance to hand and diocesan giving advisors can help. But that’s a task for another time. For now, just respond well to anyone asking for legacy information in their response form.
If time is tight use this generic legacy leaflet from the National Giving Team legacy resources page.
Create a custom legacy leaflet in Canva, based on a National Giving Team template
Consider adding the booklet Gifts of Faith, Hope and Love from the national church resource page and add a short, warm letter of thanks from the Vicar to create a simple information pack.
Never. Give. Advice.
Asking about leaving a legacy is not a casual enquiry or a spontaneous request. Wherever possible and appropriate, respond personally and promptly. Don’t be anxious. Do be sensitive and wise. There’s a golden rule:
Never Give Advice.
Our job is to share the information asked for. We can’t influence, or appear to influence a legacy decision. Our only advice is to take professional advice - from a solicitor, a professional will writer or to use a reputable online will writing service. The Church of England partnership with Farewill (www.farewill.com/cofe) is one example; Co-Op Legal Services is another. Many charities offer a free will writing service, with no obligation to leave a legacy to the charity.
Whilst in health
When we’ve provided for loved ones (1 Tim 5:4) a gift in our will is part of generous discipleship. It blesses the church that nurtures our faith. It blesses the kingdom charities we value and support in life.