Wardens

Description

This article outlines the roles and responsibilities of parish wardens.

Overview

Wardens play a key leadership role in the life of a parish. They act as Officers of the Parish and are instrumental in maintaining order, supporting ministry, and enabling the Gospel mission. The positionhas historical roots, with responsibilities outlined in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Key Points

• There are normally two wardens in a parish, one elected at the Annual Vestry Meeting (sometimes called the People’s Warden) and one nominated by the minister (the Priest’s or Rector’s Warden).
• Wardens, as part of the local leadership of the church, must fulfil the Safe Ministry requirements
• Wardens must be eligible to be a member of the Vestry, over 18 years old, and willing to signthe declaration contained in the Fourth Schedule of the Diocese’s Constitution s48 PAO.
• Together with the minister and Parish Council, wardens are responsible officers for Work Health & Safety

Duties (section 51 of the Parochial Administration Ordinance)

In addition to those duties prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer, the duties of churchwardens shall include the following:

• Supporting the Parish Priest in the initiation, conduct and development of the work of God and the Church within the parish;
• Acting as the executive officers of the Vestry and the Parish Council in respect of matters of the congregation to which they are appointed;
• Maintaining order in the church and church grounds;
• Ensuring that all things on the celebration of divine service are provided and to see that everything is fit and proper for the due performance thereof;
• Making available all books, muniments (title deeds) and records for the inspection of the bishopor the archdeacon of the district in which the parish is situated, and to supply them with any information or explanations when requested to do so.
• Reporting to the bishop any serious neglect or failure on the part of the parish priest in the fulfilment of his or her pastoral duties;
• Performing such duties as are prescribed by this or any other Ordinance;

 

• Receiving and disbursing parish funds (unless otherwise directed by the Parish Council or Vestry).

The Parish Council may decide to delegate any of these duties to the parish secretary (s51(2) PAO).

Related resources

• Declaration
• Parochial Administration Ordinance