Clergy Discipline Measure
The Clergy
Discipline Measure 2003 (2003 No. 3), which came fully into
force on 1st January 2006, provides a structure for dealing
efficiently and fairly with formal complaints of misconduct against
members of the clergy, other than in relation to matters involving
doctrine, ritual or ceremonial. All admitted to holy orders in
the Church of England are covered by the Measure, whether or not in
active ministry. Where the formal complaint concerns a priest
or deacon, the disciplinary structure is centred on the bishop;
where the complaint concerns a bishop, the structure is centred on
the archbishop of the relevant province.
The disciplinary procedures are outlined here. Links to information
about the Clergy Discipline Rules and Appeal Rules, the
availability of ecclesiastical legal aid, and the Code of Practice
and other guidance are provided elsewhere on this page, as well as
to details of practice directions issued by the President of
Tribunals under section 4 of the Measure.
If you have any general enquiries about the operation of the
disciplinary procedures which are not answered on these pages,
please contact the Legal
Office.