Community use of Church Buildings

Last year we highlighted the opportunities which exist for clergy and PCCs to explore with the wider community the ways in which their church building can be made available for a variety of community uses.

We are encouraging you to continue with this process since the future of many of our buildings depend very much on their becoming a key focus of the life of the communities in which they are set. The recently announced closures of a number of post offices provide the opportunity to consider hosting this service from within the church buildings. The Archdeacon and the DAC are always available to discuss any ideas which you may have and suggest examples of projects which have worked in other communities.

Churchyard Regulations

You will know that earlier in the year the Commissary General issued new Churchyard Regulations for this Diocese. Following extensive consultation the regulations were framed to achieve a careful balance between encouraging appropriate individuality whilst respecting the harmony and setting of our churchyards. The Archdeacons and the DAC are available to advise clergy on any applications which may be causing concern. The new regulations are available on our website at: www.canterbury.anglican.org/churchyardregulations

Theft of Metals

The thriving global economy has had an unforeseen impact on the historical buildings in the Diocese. The significant increase in the cost of metal has made it an attractive target for thieves. Initially criminal damage was restricted to lightening conductors and window guards but this has developed into the wholesale removal of church roof coverings in some cases. The Commissary General has granted a General Faculty which allows the DAC to consider the use of alternative roof coverings for a period of up to 25 years. We take the view that metal and lead in particular provides the best long term solution for roofing many of our buildings. In the short term, however there is no reason why alternatives should not be considered since there is no evidence to suggest that the theft of metals is on the decline.

Ian Dodd Secretary DAC
Email: :idodd@propcant.org
Tel: 01227 478390