Dioceses will be asked to pay their youth workers a stipend that includes a housing allowance or a suitable house.

A motion to this effect was passed at the Interdiocesan Conference in Gisborne on Saturday, in the leadup to General Synod.

The mover, Bishop Ross Bay (Auckland), pointed out that ministry belongs to all the baptised and that as a professional ministry the work of diocesan youth workers should be remunerated with an appropriate stipend package.

A working group had been set up after the last Interdiocesan Conference in May 2008 to examine the remuneration of diocesan youth positions.

The Interdiocesan Conference is not a legislating body but it can make such a recommendation across the dioceses.

Bishop Bay told delegates the youth pay recommendation would have financial implications but that it should be seen as a goal for dioceses to work towards.