Can a Vicar Accept a Gift?

[JustLikeTheySaid]

Hi,

Wasn't sure where best to put this.

A vicar has been incredibly kind to me recently through a really crappy time. I have obviously said thank you but I would like to send a token of my appreciation.

Nothing huge, I would have thought no more than £15. I was considering a card with a small gift in it.

Is this allowed? I should mention that I am not religious and although I do attend church, I am no expert. The vicar does know this and has been very supportive anyway. Because of this though I feel like I might be unaware of a golden rule...

Thanks in advance...

They are human like the rest of us and appreciate being appreciated. As long as its not too personal its fine.

Absolutely fine. Some orders of monks and nuns aren’t allowed to accept gifts (maybe all? I’m not sure), but regular vicars are allowed.

Could you make him a really nice cake or something like that. Or in a general conversation find out if he has hobbies and get him a book in the subject ?

Thank you. I don't know her well enough to know anything about hobbies. And I definitely cannot bake! I will wait until I see something that I feel is appropriate. I just didn't want it to be inappropriate and rejected because I don't know if I could cope with that right now.

DB bought the vicar who conducted our Mum's funeral a bottle of single malt, as he had mentioned in conversation how much he liked it.

He was very happy.

Having said that, he is a very money minded vicar, who seems to think that access to heaven is by virtue of the amount donated to the Church.

Perhaps a nice pot plant for the garden?

Yes a small gift would be welcome. Very few people say thank you to the clergy so a card and some flowers or chocolate or a bottle of wine would be lovely.

Thank you. You have reassured me!

A small posy of flowers or a card would be perfect.

A small gift would be lovely but we find money a bit awkward, something like a little plant or a bottle of wine is really nice, doesn't have to be much :) it's very kind of you to think of your vicar.

Oh gosh yes I wouldn't give money! I just didn't know if gifts were allowed.

She has been incredibly kind to me so it feels like it is all I can do!

I have a friend who is a vicar and very kind (perhaps it's the same person!) and she would be touched and appreciative and would value your gift very much.

The priest who married me had no compunction shortly before the wedding about turning up to my place of work one day and enquiring about how i could help him with items for his kitchen.
Made it quite clear no money would be changing hands