LAY CHAIRMEN

This post came into place in the Church of England following the passing of the Synodical Government Measure 1969; she or he jointly chairs the Deanery Synod alongside the Rural Dean.

The Lay Chairperson, like the Rural Dean, is a servant of the deanery as a whole, and is answerable to the laity.

ELECTION

The election takes place at the first meeting of the newly-elected Deanery Synod, and he or she continues in office until a successor is elected by the first meeting of the successor Deanery Synod three years later.

DUTIES UNDER THE MEASURE

• jointly to chair the Deanery Synod with the Rural Dean; “they shall agree between them who shall chair each meeting of the Synod or particular items of business on the agenda of the Synod”, (see CRR23 [1] [a]), and to chair meetings of the deanery house of laity.

• jointly with the Rural Dean to call meetings of Deanery Synod and to determine the date and places of such meetings with the Deanery Standing Committee.

• in terms of the Pastoral Measure 1983 he or she is to be consulted as an interested party on all matters of pastoral re-organisations.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES

• to encourage deanery laity to participate fully in the planning and running of the affairs of the deanery.

• to facilitate a two-way channel of information between the deanery laity and the wider Church.

GUIDELINES FOR NON-STATUTORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• to attend institutions and licensings and to welcome new clergy on behalf of the laity and the deanery.

• to respond to the notification of a vacancy in the post of Rural Dean and to make recommendations regarding the appointment of a new Rural Dean.

• to be an ex-officio member of all deanery committees.

• to attend, and conduct with the Rural Dean, the triennial inspection of the parishes.

• to advise the Bishop as and when required, and to attend such meetings as the Bishop calls.

• to visit and worship with all parishes in the deanery.

• to respond to requests made by the Bishop, or by other appointing bodies, for information and advice about deanery appointments to be made.

• to attend Section 12 meetings in connection with the appointment of a new parish priest.

• to attend such training courses as the Diocese shall provide.

EXPENSES OF OFFICE

Expenses incurred in carrying out these responsibilities are properly reimbursed by the treasurer of the Deanery Synod.