Whilst the duties of a churchwarden vary considerably from parish to parish, dependent on parish need, all churchwardens hold the same important legal responsibilities that are set out in Canon Law. The office has a vital spiritual dimension, with churchwardens foremost among the laity in the life and mission of their parish.
When a churchwarden takes up office, they:
• Become an officer of the bishop, forming a link between the bishop and the parish
• Represent the laity in their parish and work closely with their vicar
• Lead by example, encouraging parishioners in the practice of their faith and keeping peace and unity
• Maintain order in the church and churchyard, especially during worship
• Are the legal owners of the church’s property and are responsible for keeping an up-to-date inventory
• Carry out a range of duties as defined in Canon Law, but which may also be specific to their church
In practical terms, churchwardens work closely with their vicar to oversee the running of their church, supported by its team of volunteers. Depending on the parish, typical tasks may include the following.
Administration and management
Working with the vicar, churchwardens may be required to carry out administrative duties such as authorising minor payments and ensuring that offerings are counted safely and the amount recorded correctly. In the event that the PCC is unable to appoint a treasurer, they may need to step in until a treasurer can be co-opted.
Attending regular meetings
Acting as a charity trustee, churchwardens are members of the PCC and its standing committee, both of which meet throughout the year. Churchwardens also meet regularly with their vicar.
Buildings and maintenance
Churchwardens keep the church terrier – record of a church’s land and property – inventory and logbook up to date. They inspect the fabric of the church every year and report to the PCC and Annual Parochial Church Meeting on the condition of the building and any work that may be needed. They also ensure that the PCC commissions a quinquennial inspection report and acts on any resulting recommendations.
Duties during absence and/or vacancy
In the event that the vicar is away from the parish, for example, is on holiday or ill, or where the parish has no vicar, churchwardens work with other volunteers, the area dean and archdeacon as necessary to ensure continuity of services and pastoral care.
Safeguarding
In line with Church of England policy and guidance, churchwardens are required to undertake safeguarding training and work with their parish safeguarding officer and church leadership to manage any safeguarding cases that may arise.
Services
Churchwardens oversee the smooth running of services, making sure there is bread and wine for Holy Communion, welcoming and seating visitors, and checking that visiting clergy have a licence or Permission to Officiate. In the absence of the vicar or a licensed lay minister, they may be required to arrange cover or lead services.
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