This article outlines when and why lay licences or authorisations are required, and how to request them.
The whole baptised community is called to ministry, and every person is a minister of the Christian gospel, and the primary order of the Church is the order of the Laity. Lay people don’t need a licence to do what all Christians are called to do, like caring for others, because their baptism already empowers them.
Licences are only required for lay people who hold leadership or representative roles
within the Church, to maintain good order and support the Church’s mission.
A lay licence allows someone to minister in their local area. If the licence permits, they may alsoserve in other parts of the Diocese when invited by the appropriate authority.
More details are available in the Archbishop’s Licensing Policy (see below).
Anyone holding the archbishop’s licence or authorisation is required to comply with the Safe MinistryAccreditation requirements. This process includes a screening and education component, which will vary depending on the type of position held.
The supervising clergy (usually the Parish Priest) should contact the Bishop’s Office to
nominate a layperson for licensing.
