The Parish

This chapter examines the nature of the parish churches of the Church of England, the respective roles of priest and people, and the rights and duties of the parochial church council (PCC), churchwardens and others. It first provides an overview of the parish structure before discussing the parish electoral roll and the annual parochial church meeting. It then considers the Parochial Church Councils, parochial property, the liability of the rector for repairs to the chancel, quinquennial inspection, and diocesan quota. It also describes pastoral schemes and orders, pastoral church building schemes, sharing of church buildings, ecumenical relations between the Church of England and other Churches, and churchwardens. Finally, it looks at other lay officers of the parish as well as non-parochial churches and chapels.