CHURCHGOERS can now make their weekly donations by debit card.

The Church of England announced yesterday that it is ditching the donation bowl and replacing it with a small card reader where payments can be made just by a tap.

It follows a successful trial by 40 churches last summer.

More than 16,000 congregations will have access to portable card readers so people can make contactless donations.

Churches can accept Apple Pay, Google Pay and PIN transactions.

Brighton congregations have welcomed the move.

Father Andrew Woodward of St Mary’s Church, in St James’s Street, said: “A lot of people these days don’t carry cash with them so they pay by electronic transfer.

“But bank transfers can be a hassle because you need to provide a sort code and account number.

“Contactless payment is much more convenient.

“I have just recently purchased a card reader where people can insert their bank cards, or tap on it.

“This saves people a trip to the bank to get cash.

“It’s also convenient for people who are paying for events, such as weddings.

“People can pay by card and then have a confirmation of payment listed in their bank statement.

“It’s also good for people attending our other events. For example, next month on Friday 13th we are having a fish and chip event.

“If someone turns up but have no cash with them, they can just pay with their card.”

John Kemp, parish advisor for the Diocese of Chichester, said: “Now that the first phase of the trial has ended, local churches will be thinking through how they may facilitate one-off donating using contactless methods, side by side with more traditional ways of donating to church activities.

“Digital is not going away. Harnessing its potential is just a small but very useful part of making our churches places where younger parishioners and others can come, feel welcomed, included and accepted.”

However, not everyone agrees the digital move is practical for everyone.

Father David Biggs, of Chapel Royal in North Street, Brighton, said: “Most people think making cash donations is more tangible because to them, it feels real.

“They can see they are taking out the money and putting it in the donation bowl.

“A lot of our worshippers are older people or immigrants.

“They prefer cash and not many of them would switch from cash to contactless.

“In terms of practicality, if we are doing street donations, where you usually receive coins, using a card reader seems unnecessary.

“Besides there are lots of banks in Brighton.

“It’s not hard to find an ATM if you need cash.”