This article outlines the roles and responsibilities of parish officers elected or appointed to support the leadership and operation of a parish.
Parishes (or congregations within multi-centred parishes) appoint or elect individuals to take on specific leadership roles. These parish officers play a key part in the daily operations and long-term direction of the church. Their roles include:
Warden
People’s Warden, who is elected at the Annual Vestry Meeting, and a Priest’s Warden, who is appointed by the minister/priest (see section 49 Parochial Administration Ordinance)
Members of the Parish Council
Elected at the Annual Vestry Meeting, with some appointments by the minister (see below). The Parish Council (together with the minister/priest) is responsible for the worship, ministry and mission of the parish (sections 29 & 45).
Parish representatives on the Nomination Committee
Elected at the Annual Vestry Meeting, this committee assists in the selection of a new minister/priest, if required (sections 53-62).
Parish treasurer
Appointed by the Parish Council, this role maintains accurate financial records and reports as required to the Vestry, the Parish Council, Synod Office and the Australian Taxation Office (section 32(2)).
Parish secretary
Appointed by the Parish Council, this role acts as the contact point for Diocesan notices and correspondence. The Parish Council may ask the Parish Secretary to perform other duties, which should be minuted (section 32(1)).
Safe Ministry Coordinator
Appointed by the Parish Council, this role monitors parish activities involving children and vulnerablepeople and acts as a link between the parish and Synod Office on safe ministry matters (section 32(2A)).
There is no maximum number of Parish Council members. The Vestry determines how many will be elected. For every three elected members, the priest may appoint one additional member (section 42(2)).
Parishes must inform the Synod Office when new officers are elected or appointed and provide current contact information.
To notify the Synod Office of newly elected lay Synod representatives, see the separate article [Notification of New Parish Officers can be submitted online here].
