Home Supporting churches Legal responsibilities & guidance
Information from the Diocesan Registry about PCCs, patronage, marriage law, church charities and more.
The liability of some landowners to contribute to the cost of repairing the chancel of a parish church.
Many parishes benefit from long established parochial charities, whose original purposes were to benefit the poor in the parish or the local church building.
The Diocesan Registry provides legal advice and support to the Diocese of Norwich, and specifically to the Diocesan Board of Finance.
The principal law relating to marriage in Church of England parish churches is contained in the Marriage Act 1949.
Patronage is the right to appoint or present an Incumbent to a benefice.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the governing body of a parish church that helps steer the life of the church in its mission, witness and service in the parish. It's also a charity.
Every parish conducts an Annual Parochial Church Meeting not later than the 31 May. Download a range of forms for nominations, finance, Statistics for Mission and more.
Selection and appointment, duties, handbook and more.
Information about churchyards, graves, burials, memorials and more.
Information for clergy including training, finance, grants, counselling, sabbaticals and more. Includes information for clergy spouses.
Sample consent and permission forms, confidential declaration forms, reference forms and more.
Every PCC member is required to complete a Data Protection Form where they confirm their contact details and give or withdraw consent for how we share their contact details.
Every PCC is required to maintain an Electoral Roll of church members. Download the forms in Word and PDF format.
A Faculty is required before carrying out significant work to church buildings or churchyards. The nature of the proposals determines whether faculty or List B (Archdeacon’s) permission needs to be sought, or whether the work falls under List A and does not need any permission (provided any specified conditions are adhered to).
Food provided by churches is subject to food law and must be safe to eat.
Just like any other charity or organisation, all parishes must comply with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
The Licensing Act 2003 may affect some church events, regulating entertainment and the sale of alcohol. Fortunately, it makes exceptions for some occasional activities.