Churchwarden Training 2012

Archdeacons Archdeacon of Pontefract The Ven Peter Townley Archdeacon of Halifax The Ven Anne Dawtry

What is a churchwarden?

Churchwardens are officers of the Ordinary. They shall discharge such duties as are by law and custom assigned to them. They shall be foremost in representing the laity and in co-operating with the incumbent. Canon E1

Bishop’s Officer The Bishop may make inquiries of them at any time, and the churchwardens may inform the Bishop of any matters requiring his intervention. In addition, they must reply to the Archdeacon’s Articles of Enquiry for the purposes of the annual Visitation.

When the priest is away… If the priest is away, you should check there is someone to lead the service – or failing that, you should lead it yourself. If the service is taken by a visitor, you should (in theory) check the person is authorised. You should certainly check that the proper fee and expenses are paid.

PCC and mission Churchwardens should help lead and encourage the PCC to carry out all its duties and look outwards. They should try to ensure the PCC pays the parish share, pays in full the working expenses of the clergy, pays for the insurance and pays its bills.

Looking after the building Relieve your parish priest of admin work such as insurance, heating, lighting, cleaning and maintenance of the church and its furnishings. But you don’t need to do all this yourself – involve and enable others. It is a legal requirement to ensure Faculties are sought where necessary.

Conflicts and tensions…

When conflicts arise… Conflict in church life is almost inevitable. It can be a sign of life and vitality. ‘Growing pains’ are not all bad. However…

If local attempts fail to resolve a situation, the churchwardens should report the matter to the Rural Dean, Archdeacon or Bishop. When conflicts arise…

During a vacancy…

Vacancy/Interregnum The Rural Dean and/or Archdeacon will normally meet with you soon after the vacancy is announced to explain procedures during the vacancy, and for finding a new priest. The RD has special responsibility to work with wardens to care for the parish when you in a vacancy.

Churchwardens and Rural Dean arrange for visiting clergy to conduct Sunday services, baptisms, weddings, funerals and pastoral visits as necessary. Legally the churchwardens have the custody of the church Registers during a vacancy. Vacancy/Interregnum

See /handbook

Toolkit for wardens…

Guidance and regulations asbestos aumbries carpets child protection churchyards data storage employment environment fees fundraising legal advice lighting parish records prayer remarriage re-ordering sound systems trees window protection works of art etc

Websites particularly CofE site with loads of advice about buildings and policies, but also a large section on being a churchwarden.

Recommended Books Wakefield Diocesan Directory * Church Representation Rules ** The Churchwarden’s Yearbook Handbooks for Churchwardens… *** *Essential **Someone needs a copy! ***You need one copy between you…

Buildings and legal…

Buildings and legal Legal responsibilities Faculties Churchyard Regulations Health and Safety Disability and access Other things…

Legal responsibilities… Maintain Terrier (land) and Inventory (property). Maintain Log Book of works done. Annual Report to PCC: ‘fabric, fixtures, fittings and furniture’ Complete and return the annual ‘Articles of Inquiry’ Maintain order and decency in church and churchyard. A church-warden may justify pulling off a man’s hat without being guilty of assault or trespass. (1765) Take offerings/collections. Works only by Faculty or permission…

Buildings and legal Legal responsibilities Faculties

DAC and Faculties Julia Wilding, Diocesan Registrar Bank House, Burton Street Wakefield WF1 2DA Diocesan Advisory Committee

Faculty benefits? Church then, now and tomorrow… Check that a proper job is done… for example, heating or sound installations “have you thought of this?” “No, not pink…!” Consultation – all ‘happy’… Objectors heard and considered by a Judge. Judgement gives full permission. Cover your back… Required…

Discuss ideas – PCC, architect etc. Informal meeting with DAC/Archdeacon. Consult with heritage or archaeology. Detailed plans/specification. Formal, Minuted PCC support. Contact Registry for application form. Complete form and return Assume DAC know nothing about your church or plan. Include photos, drawing and all details. Faculty process

The DAC can ‘Recommend’, ‘Not object’ or ‘Not Recommend’.” Citation displayed for days – objectors invited to set out concerns and why. The Chancellor or Archdeacon assesses application – grants or declines the Faculty. Process may take six months. Tip: start early.

Before any work or purchase Some routine maintenance work is OK. Ask the Archdeacon. Some temporary arrangements, up to 15 months, OK with ‘Archdeacon’s License’. Most work (including Quinquennial repairs) need authorisation by Faculty. Work affecting external appearance of church or churchyard likely to also need local authority planning permission. Work on older buildings needs consultation with ‘amenity’ or heritage organisations.

Buildings and legal Legal responsibilities Faculties Churchyard Regulations

burials… memorials… ashes… care of the churchyard… headstones… inscriptions… permissions… who can do what… etc…

Buildings and legal Legal responsibilities Faculties Churchyard Regulations Health and Safety

Why Health and Safety? We live in a litigious society. ▫ No win/no fee claims… ▫ Accidents are ‘someone’s fault’. Don’t assume this is not a problem “because you’re a church”. ▫ When an accident, assume a claim likely. Health and Safety policy important: ▫ to prevent accidents and incidents; ▫ to show PCC has acted carefully and responsibly; ▫ an expression of Christian care.

What to do… Every church must have a Health and Safety policy, regularly reviewed, annually reviewed by the PCC. Every church should appoint a PCC member (and maybe a committee) for Health and Safety. Every church should conduct an exercise such as the EIG H&S Guidance Notes and self- assessment.

Buildings and legal Legal responsibilities Faculties Churchyard Regulations Health and Safety Disability and access Other things…

Access and disability It is unlawful for… “organisations providing services to treat disabled people less favourably than other people for a reason related to their disability”

Physical access ramps, toilets, hazards, access to all reasonable areas Visual access lighting, print-size, contrasts Audible access loop system, adequate non-loop sound Access and disability

Buildings and legal Legal responsibilities Faculties Churchyard Regulations Health and Safety Disability and access Other things…

Safeguarding (adults and children) Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults policies: Regularly updated Current and future best practice. Regular review of PCC policy. Named ‘Officers’ (or Officer) who makes sure the policy happens, and is a Point of Contact for people/children with concerns.

Other things… Quinquennial surveys You organise, arrange and pay DAC approved list of architects only Portable Appliance checking See Church records and archives

Thank you! Well done!

Prayer May God fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives. Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God. Colossians 1

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen. Lord’s Prayer

Blessing: The blessing of the God of life be ours; The blessing of the loving Christ be ours; The blessing of the Holy Spirit be ours; To cherish us, to help us, to make us holy. Now and always. Amen. Prayer