Sydney’s iconic St Mary’s Cathedral in Hyde Park is revolutionising how its congregation can donate money.
The church confirmed to SBS News on Wednesday that it launched a trial of a specially designed tap-and-go card payment machine during its weekend services.
The collection plate allows churchgoers to donate a minimum of $10, or multiple $10 donations, via card, as well as make cash payments.
Helen Morassut, general manager of St Mary’s Cathedral, told SBS News: “The plates were introduced to offer a solution to parishioners and visitors who continually asked for an alternative electronic way to donate”.
Source: St Mary's Cathedral Sydney
“At the end of the day we have to change, adapt, and offer solutions to our visitors and parishioners,” she said.
“We are just catching up to the rest of the world.”
The Cathedral’s initial post on Facebook announcing the new collection plates last Thursday was deleted after receiving more than 1,500 comments.
Several social media users criticised the move, with one reportedly saying: “I’m Catholic but this is ludicrous … you shouldn’t be told how much you put in if you opt for that option”.
Source: St Mary's Cathedral Facebook
A follow-up post from the cathedral on Sunday thanked those who made “rational and coherent comments on our recent post”.
On Wednesday, Ms Morassut told SBS News that weekend churchgoers provided “helpful feedback, both positive and negative”.
St Mary’s isn’t the first to introduce card payments. The company behind the wireless terminals also created a special donation plate for St Pauls Cathedral in Melbourne which has been in use for the past 12 months.
