The Church Commissioners' Mission and Pastoral Services team deal with parish reorganisation, clergy housing and property matters.
We aim:
to assist the reorganisation and property work of the Church by dealing swiftly, accurately and efficiently with proposals submitted in respect of parish reorganisation, clergy housing, and certain property matters
to provide accurate and appropriate advice to dioceses and others
to keep up to date Codes of Practice, guidance notes, forms and draft legal documents
to deal with objectionsto reorganisation or property transactions by explaining when they are based on misunderstanding
The diocese seeks the views of “interested parties”
The diocese recommends proposals to the bishop (who can make a Bishop’s Mission Order or a Pastoral Order if all interested parties have agreed).
Draft Scheme or Order published (anyone may object to Church Commissioners)
If there are objections the Church Commissioners decide whether the Scheme or Order should go ahead.
The bishop makes a Pastoral Order unless the Church Commissioners decide it should not be made.
Objectors may seek Leave to Appeal against the Commissioners decision on a Pastoral Scheme or Pastoral Church Buildings Scheme.
The Church Commissioners make a Scheme unless they decide it should not be made or there is a successful appeal against their decision that it should be made.
Anyone has a right to object to a proposed Pastoral Scheme or Pastoral Order to carry out pastoral reorganisation
Only named interested parties have a right to object to clergy housing proposals made under the Church Property Measure 2018
How will I know about a proposed reorganisation or transaction?
Pastoral reorganisation
All current proposals are published on our website here.
Named interested parties will be sent notices by letter or email.
Notices will be put up at churches.
Notices will appear in local newspapers for church closures or schemes affecting burials or churchyards.
Clergy housing
Letters or emails will be sent to the interested parties.
How do I make a representation?
You must send a letter or email to the address on the website or in the notice, by the date given.
Will I be able to speak to the Committee?
Members of the Committee will decide in each case whether to hold a public hearing. If there is a hearing you may come and may be able to speak, though this depends on the number of people who wish to do so.
