Code of Recommended Practice to the Pastoral Measure 1983

We have produced the Code of Recommended Practice as a standard reference for those involved in pastoral reorganisation, redundant churches and related matters offering full guidance on procedures.

The Code is divided into 19 distinct sections as follows:

Sections 1-9 cover Parts I, II and IV of the Measure dealing with the preparation and processing of proposals for pastoral reorganisation, the contents of schemes and orders, suspension of presentation, and the consideration of representations.

Sections 10 - 19 cover Part III of the Measure dealing with the future of redundant churches. The Schedules to the Measure are covered in the section(s) to which they relate. The Appendices to the Code include pro-forma letters, proposals and other forms for use by Diocesan Pastoral and Diocesan Redundant Churches Uses Committees, a list of commonly used abbreviations, a glossary of terms used in pastoral reorganisation and a summary of other relevant ecclesiastical Acts and Measures of interest.

The Code is not intended as a substitute for the Measure itself and should always be read in conjunction with the relevant sections of the Measure. The number of the section of the Measure covered by the Code has been included in the right hand column of each page.

Download the full version of the Code here as a WORD document (size: 2.1MB) or here in ZIP format.

Download an edited version of the Code here as a WORD document.
This version is recommended reading for members of Diocesan Pastoral Committees as it concentrates on the diocesan consultation stage and is prefaced by an introductory talk given to a Diocesan Pastoral Committee about its role.

Download the Pastoral Measure 1983 here as a WORD document.

The following extracts from the Code may be downloaded as separate WORD documents by clicking on the links below:

What is possible by scheme or order for pastoral reorganisation matters

A schedule of the most common types of pastoral reorganisation matters showing which have to be carried out by pastoral scheme and which can be carried out by the more streamlined procedure of pastoral order.

Progress of a pastoral scheme or order

A flowchart outlining the procedures for pastoral reorganisation, starting with the diocesan consultative role and including that of the Commissioners in considering representations.

Parish Information Form

A form providing background information about a parish to the Commissioners in a case where representations in respect of a pastoral scheme or order need to be considered.

Form P2

An information sheet supplied by dioceses when submitting their proposals to the Commissioners in all pastoral matters.

Form P2A

A checklist detailing dates of the various consultations undertaken by dioceses leading up to the submission of the proposals to the Commissioners.

  © The Church Commissioners for England 2005 (Last updated 4/7/2007)