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Common Tenure

The Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Legislation has been developed to help clergy grow in their ministry by providing fair terms of service, supporting their development, and ensuring a just framework of accountability.

Since 2002, the Church of England has been reviewing the terms of service under which clergy hold office. New terms and conditions will be conferred on clergy through Common Tenure. It preserves the historic office holder status of parochial clergy, whilst giving them rights broadly equivalent to those of employees.

Enabling this to happen requires a new Measure, Regulations, and changes to the Canons. The legislation will introduce a regular review of ministry and support for continuing ministerial development; a procedure for dealing with grievances including provision for mediation; and a capability procedure to help clergy who are struggling in their ministry.

There are further legislative steps to be taken. Before the Measure can be implemented, its Regulations will need to be approved by Synod and by Parliament. See Timetable

 

For further information on the provisions of the legislation, please see the summary and FAQs.