Dealings with the General Synod and Ecclesiastical Law

Q. Whom should I speak to regarding my enquiry?
A. If you have a specific legal enquiry relating to your parish or a more general enquiry on a matter of ecclesiastical law on which you require clarification, you should contact the diocesan registrar of your diocese for advice. If you are interested in the progress of draft legislation through the General Synod, the date of legislation coming into effect or the availability of nationally produced guidelines or codes of practice, please contact the Legal Office.

Q. Where can I obtain a copy of a Measure, Canon or Statutory Instrument?
A. As it passes through the legislative process in General Synod, the latest draft of a Measure, Canon or Statutory Instrument can be purchased from Church House Bookshop. After a Measure has been given Final Approval by the Synod but before it receives the Royal Assent, copies can be obtained from the Legal Office. Once a Measure has received the Royal Assent or a Statutory Instrument has been laid before Parliament, copies can be obtained from the Stationery Office (tel. +44 (0)870 600 5533; email book.orders@theso.co.uk) or from the OPSI website. Once a Canon has been given Final Approval by the Synod, copies can again be obtained from the Legal Office.

Q. Where can I obtain a copy of the Episcopal Ministry Act of Synod 1993?
A. This Act of Synod is available for download here.

Q. I want to make a complaint about my parish priest/the PCC/the churchwarden - how do I do this?
A. You should speak to your diocesan registrar (a solicitor), who will be able to advise you. Contact details for all diocesan registrars can be found in the Church of England Year Book.

Q. Where can I find information on maintaining a church electoral roll for a parish and procedures for conducting PCC meetings?
A. You need to read the Church Representation Rules (also available in printed form from Church House Publishing) or, if in any doubt, consult your diocesan registrar.

Q. How do we go about obtaining a faculty for work on our church?
A. You are advised to visit the Church Care website. If your church is listed, you should first read Making Changes to a Listed Church and The National Amenity Societies: Their role in the conservation of Anglican Churches, both also available from the Legal Office. In all cases, speak to your diocesan registrar about seeking the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and submitting a petition.

Q. Where do I apply for a Special Marriage Licence?
A. You should write to: The Faculty Office, 1 The Sanctuary, London SW1P 3JT; tel. +44 (0)20 7222 5381; email faculty.office@1thesanctuary.com; website www.facultyoffice.org.uk.

Q. Have I got the latest version of the Canons?
A. The most recent edition of the Canons is the sixth, incorporating the first and second supplements published respectively in 2005 and 2008. The Canons are available for download here, and printed copies may be purchased from Church House Publishing. (After purchase, you should return the yellow registration form to ensure that you receive notification of future supplements and editions.)

Q. A cleric is coming from overseas to officiate in our diocese. What do we need to do?
A. A cleric who was ordained priest or deacon by an overseas bishop needs to have permission to officiate from the Archbishop of the province in which he or she intends to officiate before applying to the diocesan bishop for a diocesan licence or permission to officiate. An application form for the province of Canterbury is available here which on completion may be returned with the relevant supporting documentation by email, or by post to: Howard Cattermole, Legal Office, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ. Applications for the province of York handled by the York Provincial Registry, to whom enquiries should be directed.