Church Representation Rules

Church Representation Rules is a vital tool for all those involved in parochial, diocesan and national Church governance.

This 2022 edition presents the new Church representation rules introduced in 2020, and amendments approved by the General synod since then.

The current rules aim to simplify local church governanceand enable parishes to adapt the rules to best serve ministry and mission in their contexts. For example, a group of churches may now form a joint Parochial Church Council, thereby reducing the numbers of meetings required. in addition, the new rules provide for electronic communication and enable PCCs to conduct business by correspondence.

Amendments reflected in this edition include:

  • a revised system for appeals in relation to elections held under the rules
  • clarification of the term of office for co-opted members of PCCs
  • the removal of automatic term limits for a parish representative of the laity on a deanery synod.

This volume includes a full introduction to the Rules and explanatory notes highlighting the new provisions together with a comprehensive index.

If you need advice regarding the Church Representation Rules you should contact your diocesan registrar. 

Parochial

Relating to a church parish

PCC

The Parochial Church Council - each parish has this executive committee, which is made of clergy, church wardens and lay members.

Deanery Synod

A body consisting of clergy working in a deanery and lay representatives elected from every parish.

Diocesan Synod

Body consisting of clergy and lay representatives elected from across the diocese

Registrar

The legal officer for a diocese who gives legal advice to churches and clergy on matters relating to their work, preparing legal documents for the diocese and more.