Pastoral Measure 1983 Code of Practice

The Code of Recommended Practice as a standard reference for those involved in pastoral reorganisation, closed 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 closed 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 Mission and Pastoral Committee, 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.

Download the full version of the Code here.

Download an edited version of the Code here as a WORD document.
This version is recommended reading for members of Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committees as it concentrates on the diocesan consultation stage.

Download the Pastoral Measure 1983 here

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.

Form P2B

Progress and Action sheet to accompany all draft Schemes and Orders sent to the Church Commissioners either on receipt of adverse representations or for/before making other than those providing for closure of a church building

If you have a general enquiry or comments about these web pages please contact Fiona McKenzie.