The Pastoral Measure 1983 Frequently Asked Questions

1. The Pastoral Measure 1983 Frequently Asked Questions

2. The Role of the Pastoral and Redundant Churches Officer • To prepare minutes and papers for the Diocesan Pastoral Committee • To arrange Pastoral Consultations with parishes • To communicate with the Bishop and PCCs re DPC Recommendations • Draft and issue Pastoral Schemes and Orders and send to Church Commissioners • Give advice to clergy and PCCs on proposal queries • Assist Bishop and Archdeacons re any objections to Pastoral Scheme

3. What is the Pastoral Measure? • Provides the Nuts and Bolts of Pastoral Reorganisation • Church of England’s equivalent to an Act of Parliament • Originates in General Synod- needs Parliamentary approval

4. Why is the Pastoral Measure Being Reviewed? • Current measure is nearly 25 years old (1983) • Procedures need shortening and making more flexible to provide for pastoral care and mission in the 21st century • Toyne Working group set up in 2000: • to review Pastoral measure and its procedures • Reported to Archbishops Council in 2003 • Draft new Pastoral measure went to General Synod in Nov 2005

5. What is Pastoral Reorganisation Process by which Diocese seeks to deploy its resources and stipendiary clergy as effectively as possible

6. What is suspension of Presentation? • Presentation arises when there is a vacancy to the living • Normally the patron “presents” a clergy person to be considered by the PCC as Incumbent • If presentation is suspended the patron cannot present someone to be Incumbent - a priest in charge is then normally appointed • Suspension should be confined to benefices where pastoral reorganisation is under consideration or in progress

7. Who can suggest pastoral reorganisation? • Diocesan Pastoral Committee advising the Bishop or the Bishop can suggest to the DPC • Deaneries (as part of Deanery Pastoral Plan for example) • Individual parishes in consultation with the Archdeacon

8. What are interested parties and how are they consulted? • Interested parties are: • Incumbents, priests in Charge, Team Vicar, PCCs and Patrons • Area Deans, Lay Chairs of Deanery Synod • Archdeacons • Local Planning Authorities • None can veto pastoral proposals • PCC or Incumbent or Team Vicar can ask to meet with DPC to discuss proposals • Interested parties are asked to give written views to DPC

9. Who makes the decision about pastoral reorganisation? • If the interested parties are in agreement a proposal is sent to the Bishop • If the Bishop approves the draft Scheme he signs and dates it • Draft sent to Commissioners who put the draft into legal format, issue details to interested parties and ask for views for and against Scheme • Objections sent to the Bishop for comment and background information • Objectors can speak to Commissioners’ Committee and receive a written statement of reasons for Commissioners decision • Objectors can apply to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on points of law only

10. Difference between Pastoral Scheme and Pastoral Order? • Pastoral Order (or Section 14 Scheme) made : • if matter concerns simple alteration of parish boundaries on which all parties agree • Bishop makes order under seal and no reference is made to Commissioners • Pastoral Scheme made: • when matter relates to other sorts of reorganisation (not just boundaries) • where all parties do not agree • Scheme made by the Commissioners

11. How do we change parish boundaries? • Map requested showing existing boundaries • PCC consulted and Archdeacon informed at an early stage • Details presented to DPC giving reasons for change requested • If simple change and if all parties agree Section 14 Order process is followed • If more complex boundary changes or if objections Draft Scheme goes to the Commissioners for publication

12. Creating a Plurality, Group or Team Ministry • Discussions happen with PCCs and clergy of parishes involved • DPC advised and receives draft Scheme • Draft Scheme sent to interested parties for views • If all agree the draft is sent to the Bishop for signature • Draft Scheme sent to Commissioners for publication and to receive representations

13. What are the processes for closing a church building? • In Manchester requests for closure usually from parishes to the Archdeacon who then discusses this with PCC • Council for Care of Churches report requested describing, historical and architectural features of building and listing important contents • Pastoral Scheme drawn up and issued to interested parties • If one church parish, consideration needs to be given to how pastoral care is to be exercised (and is likely to include a change of boundaries)

14. What are the processes for closing a church building? • Once church declared redundant ownership passes to Diocese who have to keep it wind and watertight • Parish remains responsible for churchyard • New use sought for redundant churches including consultation with Local Authority • If no new use can be found demolition may be advised in a Redundancy Scheme

15. Timescale for Pastoral Schemes and Orders • Section 14 orders take around 3 months • Pastoral Schemes- consultation locally can take time but from issue of draft scheme to Commissioners making Scheme legal (5- 6 months) • Recommendations for redundancy require a second scheme which takes a further 4-6 months, in practice often longer

16. In the Packs….. • Pastoral measure Outline • Glossary of Terms • Commissioners’ Frequently Asked Questions

17. Contact Details Chris Barratt Pastoral & Redundant Churches Officer 0161-828 1420 cbarratt@manchester.anglican.org