Expressing enthusiasm for good church governance can feel like the ideal way to shut down almost any conversation – from dinner party to drinks reception or even Sunday morning coffee after a service. Nonetheless, familiarity with what ought to be happening, and when, and why, is an important part of being churchwarden, preferable for PCC members, and even potentially for parishioners with an interest in governance. Ecclesiastical lawyers will of course be aware of the minutiae of canon law, but this is the book to press into the hands of those asking for advice or suggest that every church you come into contact have in their library's collection. It is perhaps even more vital to get this handbook into the hands of those who are unaware that they might need it. While the Church of England has some very set ways of doing things (and of documenting them), many of those who find themselves in positions of responsibility in our churches may not be aware of what they do not already know.
This comprehensive updated handbook, first published over 100 years ago, is just the ticket for anyone wanting to get a good grasp on the responsibilities of churchwardens and PCC members and the rights and rules that are laid down for them as elected Church officers.
Creator of the original Handbook, Chancellor Kenneth M. MacMorran was barrister-at-law of the Inner Temple, who hoped to provide a simple guide to the legal functions of churchwardens and parish church councillors, to include the actual legislation. Since his death the law has changed, and Diocesan Chancellor and Vicar-General of the Province of Canterbury Timothy Briden has endeavoured to ensure that the handbook continues to serve its intended purpose. This edition includes diagrams to help the reader more easily follow legal procedures, and a helpful extended chapter to help those PCCs ‘increasingly beset by the demands of secular legislation’ (p ix).
The first five chapters provide a helpful history and context for the legislation unpacked later. While laypeople may not describe it as light, for its comprehensive nature it remains relatively accessible. The addition of clear diagrams denoting processes such as how to obtain an unopposed faculty are very worthwhile, although some might have welcomed examples of actual forms.
Chapter 4 on the parish continues useful paragraphs on the union of parishes but in the current climate future editions might potentially further unpack the procedure around closing churches and how to appropriately appeal during both the closure and unification process (reflecting on the growing popularity of the Save the Parish movement). For the layperson unfamiliar with the nuances of all the relatively new language around parish, there is useful clarification of the difference between team and group ministries, and of a Bishops Mission Order. Indeed there is something to learn here for many of us who think ourselves fairly experienced in the dark arts of church governance – I now feel more familiar with the Incumbents (Vacation of Benefices) Measure, for example!
Some of the language may yet raise eyebrows slightly – I noted the description of young children as ‘innocent interference with worship … sometimes difficult to control’ (p 86) with understanding but dismay. The penultimate chapter's whistlestop tour through the secular legislation requirements could be usefully augmented in updated editions with some guidance around the legal processes for potential future focus issues, including perhaps contested heritage and parish challenges around environmental.
Just as this book seeks to clearly set out expectations for those in elected church roles, we must have clear expectations of it – as a handbook this text does exactly what it says on the tin. It is not intended as bedtime reading or a novel, but as a reference book that provides a resource to be dipped in and out of as need arises. It is fascinating to read right through, but may not make easy reading as such for those unfamiliar with church governance in the first instance. However, for new incumbents, curates and church libraries, as well as the proposed churchwardens and council members, this will be a valuable addition to the bookshelf. For anyone involved in or with a parish going into vacancy, it would be worth adding to your Christmas list. And for lawyers already well familiar with much of its content, this could be just the thing to turn friends and acquaintances’ well-intentioned questions into well-informed ones.
