ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Charity Number 801243
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Members of the board and professional advisers Page 1 Trustees' annual report Pages 2 to 4 Independent examiners' report Page 5 Statement of financial activities Page 6 Balance sheet Page 7 Notes to the financial statements Pages 8 to 14
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
Page 1
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
| The Board of Trustees | Colonel M A Cadman |
|---|---|
| Father R Matau | |
| Father S Sharkey | |
| Commander I M Crabtree | |
| Rt Rev Bishop P Mason | |
| Rev D Skillen | |
| Wing Commander C P Thorpe | |
| Principal Address | Building AA0603 |
| Ordnance Barracks | |
| Government Road | |
| Aldershot | |
| Hampshire | |
| GU11 2DX | |
| Independent Examiner | Mark Dickinson FCA |
| Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited | |
| Wey Court West | |
| Union Road | |
| Farnham | |
| Surrey | |
| GU9 7PT | |
| Bankers | Royal Bank of Scotland |
| Holt's Camberley Branch | |
| 11 High Street | |
| Camberley | |
| Surrey | |
| GU15 3AL | |
| Investment Managers | BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited |
| PO Box 9036 | |
| Chelmsford | |
| Essex | |
| CM99 2XD |
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
Page 2
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The trustees have the pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Legal Status
The charity is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission under number 801243. The charity converted from a trust to a CIO on 13 December 2018.
Objects of the charity
The charity's object and principal activity continues to be to advance and promote the Roman Catholic Religion and in particular to promote and provide such charitable works as to advance the Roman Catholic religion among or in connection with members of His Majesty's Forces and their families including the maintenance and support of the person for the time being holding the Office or Appointment of Roman Catholic Bishop of the Forces and to provide for and maintain a house for such person and offices for his use and any staff responsible to him. The Bishop's residence is owned by the Vicariate Headquarters Trust, a registered charity, to which rent is paid by this charity.
Trustees Appointments and New Trustee Proceedings
The ex-officio trustees are appointed by virtue of their respective offices. Nominated trustees are appointed by a resolution of the trustees passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
The Chair of trustees contacts new ex-officio trustees and potential new nominated trustees prior to attendance at their first trustees meeting, to tell them about the background and activities of the charity. New trustees are provided with a copy of the constitution and the latest financial statements of the charity.
Connected Charities
The following Charities are connected to the Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces (GB).
Vicariate Headquarters Trust Royal Air Force Roman Catholic 26 The Crescent Church Purposes Fund Farnborough The Chaplaincy Centre Hampshire RAF Cosford GU14 7AS Albrighton Shropshire WV7 3EX Royal Navy (Roman Catholic) Trust The Army Roman Catholic Trust Royal Navy Catholic Chaplaincy St Michael and St George Parish Office The Chaplaincy Queens Avenue HMS Collingwood Aldershot Newgate Lane Hampshire Fareham GU11 2BY Hampshire PO14 1AS
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Reserves
The number of Service Personnel continues to diminish with a consequent reduction in income from offerings, necessitating a continuous and prudent management of resources. A close relationship is maintained with the charity's Investment Advisors who pursue a policy of choice of appropriate funds to maximise the return on investments over time.
Review of activities
The CIO continues to support the work of the Bishopric of the Forces in delivering pastoral care and sacramental provision to the Military community and their dependants.
Bishop Paul attended the Hosanna House and Children's Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT) together with the International Military Pilgrimage (IMP) to Lourdes in France. He continues to support rev (Wg Cdr) Neil Galloway MBE RAF in his role as General Secretary of the Apostolat Militaire International (AMI) and a delegation from the Bishopric attended the annual conference in Manila, Philippines. Bishop Paul travelled to Kyiv in support of the AMI and visited Ukrainian military chaplains. He also visited British Service Personnel currently deployed on operations in the Middle East. The annual events i.e. Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and Mass at St Clement Danes continue.
Bishop Paul continues with his directives from the Bishops’ Conference for Apostleship of the Sea (Stella Maris), the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission and Healthcare within the Social Justice department.
Financial Review
The results of the charity for the year are as detailed in the statement of Financial Activities on page 6.
The charity's investments are managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited and have been invested in the Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund. Investment income has increased over the previous period and the market value of investments has also increased.
General
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended ` Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Funds
The funds held are unrestricted and are held to further the objects of the charity. These funds are available and are adequate to fulfil the obligations of the charity.
Designated funds include a legacy previously received from the estate of Bishop Frank Walmsley. Further designated funds relate to donations received from the Roman Catholic community at DA Shrivenham, and Charities Trust donations received.
A restricted fund has been set up in the year for the Apostolat Militaire International (AMI) transactions.
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Going Concern Statement
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Public Benefit
The Bishopric CIO charity aims to provide the very best operation, spiritual and pastoral support, primarily for Catholic Service men and women and their families and Chaplains, wherever, whenever and in whatever form it is needed. Additionally to respond to the needs of anyone, any creed or none, who turns to a Catholic Chaplain for support.
The Trustees
The trustees who served the charity during the period are as listed on page 1.
Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the charity's constitution. The trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the trustees
Rt Rev Bishop Paul Mason Trustee
Approved by the trustees on: 2 July 2026
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities : Statement of Recommended Practice on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.
The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity
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Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The Procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirement:
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to keep proper accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the
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2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply
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with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mark Dickinson FCA Wey Court West Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited Union Road Farnham Dated : 2 July 2026 Surrey GU9 7PT
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
Page 6
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations received 2 Other 2 Investment income and bank interest 3 TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE Charitable Activities Salaries 4 Office 4 Residence 4 Donations and grants payable 5 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE AND NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BEFORE GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS Unrealised Gain/(Loss) on Investments 8 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS FUNDS AT 1 APRIL 2025 FUNDS AT 31 MARCH 2026 |
2026 2026 2026 2025 Restricted Unrestricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ 17,976 171,703 189,679 259,927 - 753 753 273 - 31,322 31,322 29,924 17,976 203,777 221,754 290,125 - 108,261 108,261 91,514 34,626 47,136 81,762 59,411 - 23,139 23,139 22,748 - 12,872 12,872 12,797 34,626 191,408 226,034 186,470 34,626 191,408 226,034 186,470 (16,649) 12,369 (4,280) 103,655 0 87,380 87,380 (29,404) (16,649) 99,749 83,100 74,251 53,929 748,325 802,254 728,003 37,280 848,074 885,354 802,254 |
|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
Page 7
BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 7 Investments 8 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank 9 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 10 NET CURRENT ASSETS NET ASSETS REPRESENTED BY: FUNDS Unrestricted: Designated General Restricted TOTAL FUNDS 11 / 12 |
£ £ 3,795 722,111 725,905 175,135 175,135 (15,687) (15,687) 159,448 885,354 58,811 789,263 37,280 885,354 2026 |
£ £ 438 634,731 635,168 183,279 183,279 (16,194) (16,194) 167,085 802,254 55,261 693,064 53,929 802,254 2025 |
|---|---|---|
These financial statements were approved by the trustees on 2 July 2026 and are signed on their behalf by :
Rt Rev Bishop Paul Mason Trustee
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The accounts have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
Incoming Resources
Donations, collections and bank interest are accounted for on a receivable basis.
Investments
Investments are managed under discretionary agreements by Blackrock Investment Management (UK) Limited.
Investments are accounted for by reference to the bargain date shown by the contract note issued in respect of their purchase or disposal.
Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recorded at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the bid price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.
The charity does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments.
Fixed Assets
Depreciation is provided on fixed assets at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:
Office equipment and household effects - 10% on reducing balance Computer equipment - 25% on reducing balance
Funds
Unrestricted revenue reserves represent those resources which may be used towards meeting the objects of the charity. Unrestricted capital reserves represent investment gains and losses.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes.
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1. Accounting Policies
Investment income
Income arising from investments is included by reference to the normal date of payment of dividends or interest on that investment. Provision is not made in the accounts for dividends to be received in the next accounting period on investments declared ex-dividend prior to 31st March 2026.
Taxation
As a qualifying charity, the charity is not liable to UK taxation.
Resources Expended
Charitable activities costs include grants made and governance costs as shown in notes 4 and 5.
Creditors
Short term creditors are measured at the transaction date.
2. Income : Charitable activities
| Donations-Unrestricted Funds Royal Navy Army Royal Air Force Unrestricted Royalties Received Designated: St Albans Plate Income (Shrivenham Fund) Cathedral Fund Restricted: AMI Income Total 3. Investment Income UK investment dividends Bank interest receivable |
2026 2025 £ £ 16,200 18,550 72,900 83,475 72,900 83,475 162,000 185,500 753 273 753 273 6,752 6,018 2,951 3,416 9,703 9,434 17,976 64,994 17,976 64,994 190,432 260,201 2026 2025 £ £ 28,847 27,044 2,475 2,880 31,322 29,924 |
|---|---|
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
4. Expenditure : Salaries
| Bishop's remuneration & pension Staff remuneration & pension Vicar General accommodation Expenditure : Office Unrestricted: Bishop's Year Book (net of donations) Website + media Meetings and CPD AMI Train the Trainer Apostolat Militaire International (AMI) Printing & Stationery Postage Repairs & Renewals Travel IMP Costs Chrism Mass Lunch Sundries including subscriptions Insurances Accountancy and Independent Examination Fees Bookkeeping and Payroll Bank Charges Total Designated: No designated expenditure Total |
2026 2025 £ £ 43,833 41,955 59,367 59,253 5,061 (9,694) 108,261 91,515 1,157 1,150 1,560 1,028 12,732 7,698 3,400 - 898 6,313 85 670 392 449 59 191 9,263 10,158 5,586 9,599 1,131 1,011 563 484 1,328 1,293 5,438 5,112 3,474 3,120 70 70 47,136 48,347 - - - - 47,136 48,347 |
|---|---|
4. Expenditure : Office
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
4. Expenditure : Residence
| 4. 5. |
Rent Council Tax & Water Insurance Heat, Light & Power Repairs & Renewals Telephone Sundries Depreciation Fixtures & Fittings Cleaning Grounds Maintenance Expenditure : AMI Office Restricted Website Conference Fees Expenses ExeCom Expenses Non-ExeCom Shipping Costs Sundry Expenses CMC App Ukrainian TtT Initiative Expenditure : Donations and grants payable Unrestricted: CBCEW CNET (S) & other Designated: Blackfriars - Mass and Pastoral Support at St Albans (Shrivenham fund) Total |
12,000 12,000 3,150 2,866 1,239 1,192 3,355 3,116 - 459 406 499 175 170 197 49 519 978 2,098 1,420 23,139 22,748 36 43 5,606 - 11,697 6,364 760 - 791 - 1,155 306 3,415 - 11,166 4,351 34,626 11,064 2026 2025 £ £ 5,000 5,000 1,720 2,014 6,720 7,014 6,153 5,783 6,153 5,783 12,872 12,797 |
|---|---|---|
6. Staff Costs & Trustees' Remuneration and Emoluments
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.
No employee earned £60,000 per annum or more (2025 - none).
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
7. Tangible Fixed Assets
| Cost or Valuation at 1 April 2025 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2026 Depreciation at 1 April 2025 Disposals Charge for the year At 31 March 2026 Net Book Value At 31 March 2026 at 1 April 2025 8. Investments Listed investments Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund Movement in Market Value Market value at 1 April 2025 Acquisitions at cost Disposals at open book value Net gains (losses) on revaluations in the year Market value at 31 March 2026 9. Analysis of current assets Cash at bank & in hand AMI cash at bank (Restricted) |
Office & House Total 10,800 10,800 3,554 3,554 - - 14,354 14,354 10,362 10,362 - - 197 197 10,560 10,560 3,795 3,795 438 438 2026 2025 £ £ 722,111 634,731 2026 2025 £ £ 634,731 664,134 - - - - 87,380 (29,404) 722,111 634,731 2026 2025 £ £ 137,855 124,999 37,280 58,281 175,135 183,279 |
|---|---|
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
10. Analysis of creditors
| alysis of creditors Bishopric Charities Accruals Accruals - AMI Restricted Pension Liability P.A.Y.E. and N.I. Other creditors |
2026 2025 £ £ 2,228 1,978 10,395 7,096 - 4,351 - 152 2,906 2,514 158 103 15,687 16,194 |
|---|---|
11. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Fund balances at 31 March are represented by: Fixed assets Investments Net Current Assets Split of unrestricted funds Designated General |
Restricted Unrestricted Total Funds Total Funds 2026 2026 2026 2025 - 3,795 3,795 438 - 722,111 722,111 634,731 37,280 122,168 159,448 167,085 37,280 848,074 885,354 802,254 58,811 55,261 789,263 693,064 848,074 748,325 |
|---|---|
12. Movements in Funds - Current Year
| Unrestricted Funds Revenue Reserves Capital Reserves Designated Funds Bishop Frank Walmsley Legacy Shrivenham Fund Cathedral Fund Restricted Funds AMI |
Income / Expenditure / Opening Investment Investment Closing Balance Gains Losses Balance 225,058 194,074 185,255 233,878 468,006 87,380 - 555,386 34,379 - - 34,379 13,648 6,752 6,153 14,247 7,234 2,951 - 10,185 53,930 17,976 34,626 37,280 802,254 309,134 226,034 885,354 |
|---|---|
ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC OF THE FORCES (GB)
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
12. Continued
Movements in Funds - Previous Year
| Unrestricted Funds Revenue Reserves Capital Reserves Designated Funds Bishop Frank Walmsley Legacy Shrivenham Fund Cathedral Fund Restricted Funds AMI |
Income / Expenditure / Opening Investment Investment Closing Balance Gains Losses Balance 178,984 215,698 169,623 225,058 497,409 (29,404) - 468,006 34,379 - - 34,379 13,413 6,018 5,783 13,648 3,818 3,416 - 7,234 - 64,994 11,064 53,929 728,003 260,722 186,470 802,254 |
|---|---|
The Bishop Frank Walmsley represents a legacy received but not yet fully expended. The Shrivenham Fund represents church collections received from Shrivenham not yet fully expended. The Cathedral Fund represents Charities Trust payroll donations, to be spent on the Cathedral. Trustees have designated these funds to show separately how they are being used by the charity.
A restricted fund was set up for the Apostolat Militaire International (AMI) transactions. The Secretariat of the AMI is being supported by the Bishopric of the Forces in the UK for 3 years. The balance of funds held by the previous Secretariat in Italy were transferred to the Bishopric of the Forces during the year. The funds are maintained in a separate bank account.