Introduction to the Parochial Church Council

Prior to 1919 the administration and finances of a parish were, in law, almost exclusively the prerogative of the incumbent and churchwardens. Parochial Church Councils (PCCs)were given legal status by the act of 1919.  Since then a number of Acts have defined and refined the composition, functions and rights and responsibilities of the Council.

The PCC is an executive committee of the Parish. One of its most important functions is co-operation with the incumbent in promoting in the Parish the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.

Formally, the PCC is responsible for the financial affairs of the church and the care and maintenance of the church fabric and its contents. It also has a voice in the forms of Service used by the church and may make representations to the Bishop on matters affecting the welfare of the parish. The PCC has the right to be consulted about major changes to the forms of worship used in the Parish and about the appointment of a new incumbent.

Although the PCC has ultimate responsibility, it delegates some of its work.

It therefore has a number of committees, each dealing with a particular aspect of parish life. Each committee has at least one PCC member on it. These committees are formally responsible to the PCC, reporting back to it regularly and seeking its approval before making major changes or incurring significant costs. The PCC also provides strategic direction to the committees

Committees include:

• • Fabric Committee (currently in obeyance)

• • Churchyard Committee

• • Social Committee

The PCC will have on it one or more members of the Deanery Synod (at the present time there are 3 members of Deanery Synod), who have an important role in linking the Parish into the wider structures of the Deanery and Diocese.

In more recent years, a Ministry Team has also been established and this meets regularly to take forward the work and witness of the Church in different areas, including worship and pastoral work. The Team consists currently of the Vicar, Associate Minister, Churchwarden/s and Deputy Churchwardens, as well as volunteers.

In addition to their formal duties, PCC members act as representatives for all parishioners in the affairs of the church. Apart from the Vicar, who is ex-officio chairman, the parishioners elect all PCC members directly or indirectly. To this end an Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) must take place not later than the 31st May in each year and elects lay members to the PCC who must be on the electoral roll, be actual communicants and at least 17 years of age. Parishioners may also be co-opted onto the PCC.

All who are on the Church’s electoral roll can attend the APCM and may vote for members of the PCC.

The PCC is a body corporate with perpetual succession and it therefore has legal existence apart from the members who compose it.