Churchwardens
The office of Churchwarden is an ancient one, whose rights and responsibilities have been modified by statute. They are officers of the bishop who are charged with co-operating with the incumbent and PCC in promotion of mission and ministry. They represent the laity and have a duty to inform the Bishop or archdeacon if there are serious problems in the parish.
The present rules governing the appointment and responsibilities of churchwardens are contained in:
- Churchwardens’ Measure 2001
- Church Representation Rules (2017 Edition) – Rule 13
- The Canons of the Church of England (in particular Canons E1, E2, F13, F15 and F17)
The appointment of churchwardens is governed by the Churchwardens’ Measure 2001.
The Churchwardens Measure was passed in 2001 by the General Synod of the Church of England to make fresh provision with respect to churchwardens in the Church of England. A Brief Guide to the Measure is also available:
Useful websites include:
http://www.churchwardens.com/ for information about the roles and duties of a churchwarden
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/church-resources/churchcare for general advice
http://www.clergyassoc.co.uk/content/churchwardens.htm – “Churchwardens in a Nutshell” has information about roles/duties, vacancy procedures, grants and building maintenance.
