Parish governance and parish trust property

Description

This article outlines how parishes in the Diocese of Adelaide are governed and how parish property ismanaged. It explains the roles of Vestry, Wardens, and Parish Council, and the legal responsibilities of the Synod as trustee.

Overview

Most parishes in the Diocese operate under a shared governance model that reflects the Anglican belief that both clergy and lay people are called to work together in mission and ministry.

Parish property is held in trust by the Synod for the benefit of parishes. While a few parishes operate under older trust deeds, the same general principles still apply.

Legal framework

The main documents that shape parish governance and property management are:

• The Model Declaration of Trust Ordinance: sets out the trust deed for most parishes
• The Parochial Administration Ordinance (PAO): outlines parish structures and responsibilities, like the rules of an incorporated association

Key roles in parish governance

1. The Vestry

The Vestry is made up of members of the parish. Under the PAO (Section 7), their role is to:

“… under the leadership of and with the Parish Priest be responsible for the pastoral, educational, evangelistic and missionary work of the parish …”

 

2. The Wardens

There are usually two types of Wardens:

• people’s warden: One (or more) elected by the Vestry
• priest’s warden: One appointed by the Parish Priest

Traditionally, Wardens make sure worship materials and spaces are available (e.g. building, table, wine, bread), and that worship is conducted properly.

The PAO (Section 51) adds that Wardens must:

 

“… co-operate with the Parish Priest in the initiation, conduct and development of thework of God and the Church within the parish …”

 

3. The Parish Council

The Parish Council includes:

• The Parish Priest
• The Wardens
• Elected lay members and officers
• Optional additional members appointed by the minister According to the PAO (Section 29), the Parish Council:

“… together with the parish priest, is responsible for the worship, ministry and mission of the parish under the leadership of the Parish Priest. The Parish Council will work to fund and fulfil these responsibilities …”

 

Parish property and trust responsibilities

Parish land, buildings, and funds are held in trust by the Synod, but used by the parish. The PAO outlines:

• What each party is responsible for
• How property must be managed
• The rights of both the trustee (Synod) and the beneficiary (parish) These responsibilities are explained further in the following resources.

Parish structures may vary

Depending on the number of congregations in a parish, the governance structure may include one or more vestries and various officers and councils.

Different models are explained in more detail in the Parish Primer.

Related resources

• TBA