THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
The Charity promotes and provides such charitable works as to advance the Roman Catholic religion among, or in connection with, members of her Majesty's Forces and their families. This includes the maintenance and support of the person holding the office of Bishop of the Forces
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves total £748,325, which the trustees consider adequate to fulfill the charity's obligations. The charity reported a net income of £74,251 for the year, driven by increased investment income, despite a decrease in the market value of its investments. The trustees confirmed there are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
What the accounts disclose
“Apart from the Bishop who receives remuneration and expenses in his role as an employee of the Bishopric, Trustees do not receive remuneration or expenses.” — page 13
“The Bishop's residence is owned by the Vicariate Headquarters Trust, a registered charity, to which rent is paid by this charity.”
Trustees
- CHRISTOPHER PAUL THORPE
- Ian Michael Crabtree
- Matthew Alan Cadman
- Rev David Skillen
- Robert Constantin Matau
- Rt Rev Paul James Mason
- Stephen Sharkey
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2026 | £222k | £226k |
| 31/03/2025 | £290k | £186k |
| 31/03/2024 | £218k | £224k |
| 31/03/2023 | £184k | £190k |
| 31/03/2022 | £185k | £177k |
Common questions
Is THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB) financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves total £748,325, which the trustees consider adequate to fulfill the charity's obligations. The charity reported a net income of £74,251 for the year, driven by increased investment income, despite a decrease in the market value of its investments. The trustees confirmed there are no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB) as a grant recipient include THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST.
Shared trustees with funders
- CHRISTOPHER PAUL THORPE — trustee here and at THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST | FY2026 | £73k | HCPT Pilgrimage |
| THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST | FY2022 | £72k | Grant to connected charity/Bishopric |
| THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST | FY2023 | £71k | Grant to connected charity/Bishopric |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE TOLKIEN TRUST | 1 | £75k |
| CHARITY OF SIR RICHARD WHITTINGTON | 1 | £75k |
| THE STREET FOUNDATION | 1 | £60k |
| SISTERS OF MERCY SUNDERLAND | 1 | £55k |
| BARNSBURY CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £5k |
| THE HOBSON CHARITY LIMITED | 1 | £5k |
| CATHOLIC TRUST FOR ENGLAND AND WALES | 1 | £5k |
| SOCIETY OF THE HOLY CHILD JESUS CIO | 1 | £4k |
Charities like this
- ROYAL AIR FORCE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH PURPOSES FUND
- MATER ECCLESIAE CIO
- THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST
- DIOCESE OF HEXHAM AND NEWCASTLE
- THE ENGLISH PROVINCE OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS
- MARIAN FATHERS CHARITABLE TRUST
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB) | £222k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| ROYAL AIR FORCE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH PURPOSES FUND | £253k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| MATER ECCLESIAE CIO | £354k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST | £192k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| DIOCESE OF HEXHAM AND NEWCASTLE | £12.9m | — | 4 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| THE ENGLISH PROVINCE OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS | £7.6m | — | — | above | 11.8% | no doubt |