Suspension of Presentation

If a priest is instituted as the rector or the vicar, he has the freehold of the benefice. This means he can remain for as long as he likes until he reaches the age of 70 when he must retire. Where a Bishop is considering re-organising the parishes in the area, he may not wish to institute a priest so that he has a freehold as he may not be able to carry out the re-organisation until that priest leaves.

Instead the Bishop can suspend the right of presentation.  That means that the Patron may not exercise his right of presentation during the period of the suspension.  It is normally for five years and can be further suspended for a further five years.

During this time, the Bishop will appoint a priest-in-charge.  The priest-in-charge does not have the freehold of the benefice and the Bishop can terminate the licence on notice.  Apart from that, the priest-in-charge has all of the duties and powers of a rector or vicar.  In practice, the Bishop will consult with the Patron and the PCC before appointing a priest-in-charge.

Before suspending the right of presentation, the Bishop will write to the PCC and give the PCC the opportunity to discuss the matter with him.

Click here for the next section on Running the Church during the Vacancy.
 

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