Churchwardens

If the parish has more than one parish church, there are two churchwardens for each parish church but all of the churchwardens are churchwardens of the whole parish. They may, of course, decide amongst themselves to perform separate duties in relation to the churches.

There are provisions allowing the continuation of existing customs for the appointment of more than two churchwardens or the appointment in a particular way.  If this applies to your parish, you should consult the Registrar.

Churchwardens' Qualifications

• On the church electoral roll of the parish
• An actual communicant member of the Church of England
• Twenty one years or upwards
• Not disqualified (see below)
• Has consented to serve
• Has not consented to serve in any other parish (not being a related parish)

A related parish means:

• Another parish in the same benefice
• Another parish in a benefice held in plurality or
• Having the same minister as the other parish

If a person is not qualified (in other words, he is not on the church electoral roll, not an actual communicant member of the Church of England or not 21), the Bishop may permit him or her to hold office if it appears to the Bishop that there are exceptional circumstances.  The permission lasts only for that period of office.

If the parish has more than one parish church, there are two churchwardens for each parish church but all of the churchwardens are churchwardens of the whole parish.  They may, of course, decide amongst themselves to perform separate duties in relation to the churches.  There are provisions allowing the continuation of existing customs for the appointment of more than two churchwardens or the appointment in a particular way.  If this applies to your parish, you should consult the Registrar.

For further information, please contact the Diocesan Registrar, Mr Martin Follett on 01392 687415 or click here to send an email.

Click here for the next section on Disqualifications.

Please click on any of the following links below for further information:

• Churchwarden's Qualifications
• Disqualifications
• Length of Service and Election
• Meeting of Parishioners
• Minister's Veto
• Admission
• Vacation of Office
• Parochial Church Council
• Members and Officers of the Parochial Church Council
• General Provision relating to Parochial Church Councils
• Church Electoral Roll
• Annual Parochial Church meeting
• Functions of the PCC
• Land and other property
• Church and Churchyard
• Contents of the Church
• Insurance
• Food and Drink
• Employees
• Church Records
• Terrier, Inventory and Log Book
• Inspection and Reporting
• What to do before your Parish Priest leaves
• How the new Parish Priest is chosen
• Suspension of Presentation
• Running the Church during the vacancy
• Sources

You may also find this interesting: