Church Buildings

Looking after and making changes to your church building

The Church of England has its own legal system, through which you obtain permission for any work to or in your church building or in your churchyard, and by which the introduction or removal of furnishings or fittings is authorised.  The duties of the DAC and its constitution are governed by the current Faculty Jurisdiction Measure and Rules:

•  For major works this permission is called a Faculty
•  For minor works, it is an Archdeacons’ Letter of Authority

For further guidance regarding the process for getting the appropriate permission and for advice on a wide range of other topics, please see section ‘DAC Advice Leaflets‘.

Who are its members?

The Committee includes clergy and specialists who can provide advice on a wide range of subjects including architecture, archaeology, bells, heating, lighting, re-ordering, organs, stained glass.  The Committee meets six times a year.

The DAC also welcomes the opportunity to be involved at an early stage when the PCC is formulating ideas for alteration or refurbishment to the building.  The office can arrange visits to your church with some DAC members and, if appropriate, Historic England, the local authority planners and/or amenity societies.  In the first instance please contact Joanna Chandler.