Our Churchwarden is Legal!

Most churches have two Churchwardens, but due to a legal quirk in the way that this parish was set up, at St Paul's, we have only one, Vivien James, who is assisted by a Deputy, Paul Webster. The election of a Churchwarden is for a one-year term and Vivien was re-elected at the recent Annual Parish Meeting. Before officially being admitted to the office, Vivien had to attend a service, which was held yesterday. Led by the Archdeacon, it was a service of worship, but which also included the following legal elements.

In the Archdeacon's Charge, he explained the role of a churchwarden, as follows:

“The office of Churchwarden is an ancient one, dating from the early middle ages. As officers of the Bishop, and members of the Parochial Church Council, Churchwardens are charged with co-operating with the incumbent, and leading the laity in the promotion of the mission and ministry of the church in the local parish.

In doing so, Churchwardens offer a ministry of welcome and pastoral care to church members and their parish priest and the priest's family.

In Churchwardens is vested the property in the plate, ornaments and other moveable goods of the church, of which they are asked to maintain an inventory and report on them annually to the Bishop and Parochial church Council.

They are also asked to maintain order and decency in the church, especially during public worship.

It is to this important ministry that you have been elected at your annual parish meeting.”

In the presence of the Diocesan Registrar , a legal officer, the churchwardens present, including Vivien,  were asked to stand and make the following declaration:

“I solemnly and sincerely declare

Before God and his people

That I will faithfully and diligently

Discharge the duties of my office
For the parish in which I have been chosen
During the period of my appointment
Calling at all times on the strength that God gives me.”

To which the Registrar responded:
“On behalf of the Bishop, I admit you to the office of Churchwarden to serve in your respective parishes during the coming year.”

We will be praying for Vivien as she seeks to carry out this commitment.