Why a Faculty? ?
The Layman's Guide
A DAC Publication
FOREWORD FROM THE BISHOP I am very pleased indeed to commend this leaflet which has been published by our Diocesan Advisory Committee as a helpful guide to all who have a share and an interest in the care of our churches. Parish Churches are a statement of our mission and I cannot do better than quote the words of the late Ivor Bulmer-Thomas who said, "Churches are in themselves acts of worship; their message is delivered, not for half an hour on Sundays, but for every hour of the day of every year, and not merely to those who enter, but to all who pass by. A beautiful and historic church fulfils its most useful purpose merely by existing - as a pointer to a world of spiritual values."
Whose church is it? It is God's church and reflects the Glory of God. It is the church of the parish the PCC act as guardians of the past, custodians of the present and trustees for the future. It is the Nation's church our parish churches are an important part of our national heritage, which it is the Church's duty to maintain.
Why a Faculty? Since the Middle Ages churches, their contents and churchyards have been protected by Faculty Jurisdiction. Any proposed alteration, repair, extension and demolition, and the addition or removal of contents is subject to the Bishop' s approval exercised by the Diocesan Chancellor as Judge of the Consistory Court.
Today Parliamentary Statute has, by Ecclesiastical Exemption, allowed the Church to continue to administer its own jurisdiction rather than to submit to local authority secular procedures (applicable to listed buildings and ancient monuments). Sometimes such planning permission is also required. To preserve Ecclesiastical Exemption it is necessary to follow meticulously the requirements imposed by law.
How Proceed
to
Before a parish takes any action involving alteration, repair, extension or demolition, or the addition or removal of contents it must, through the Diocesan Registrar, submit a Faculty Petition for the Chancellor's approval. Normally there is no charge to the parish for a Faculty in this Diocese.
The procedure is quite simple. It involves applying to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for advice. Members of the DAC are volunteers appointed by the Bishop's Council. They include specialists, clerics and lay members who advise the Chancellor.
The recommended procedure is: Stage 1
Consult with the Archdeacon, who will give advice willingly. Some matters can be dealt with on the 'De Minimis' list - items which do not require a Faculty. Most proposals will be considered by the DAC. The Archdeacon will advise on the involvement of both the DAC and the church architect/surveyor. If the proposal is straightforward the Archdeacon may recommend the parish to proceed direct to Stage 3 and ask for Formal Approval. Usually he will advise the parish to ask for Preliminary Informal Advice. It is important at this stage to consult the church architect/surveyor in order to decide whether English Heritage, the local authority (planning) and the Amenity Societies should be involved.
Stage 2
Apply to the DAC through the Diocesan Registry at Wells for Preliminary Informal Advice. It is important to approach the DAC early in order to avoid unnecessary expense ( drawing up plans and so on ) and to take advantage of specialist advice. Usually a DAC Assessor will assess the proposals and report to the Committee, which will then report to the PCC. Sometimes a DAC delegation will visit the parish to discuss the proposals with the incumbent, the PCC, the Archdeacon and the church architect/surveyor. It will report to the Committee, which will then send a report to the PCC.
Stage 3
Apply to the DAC through the Diocesan Registry for Formal Approval. It is important to send a completed application form and schedule of works with as much supporting detail as possible (specifications, drawings, photographs and so on) so that the DAC Assessor can assess the proposals quickly and meticulously as required by Parliamentary Statute. Other documents required include statements of significance and of need.
Stage 4
Once the DAC Certificate has been obtained display the Public Notices and send the Petition for Faculty to the Registry.
The DAC is always ready to receive and to act on requests for Preliminary Informal Advice. It is sometimes blamed for delay and for incurring a parish in extra expense. Often delay is caused by a parish which sends insufficient detail, involves the DAC rather late in proceedings or responds tardily to a request for further information. Sometimes the DAC saves a parish money by suggesting an alternative scheme or by eliminating unnecessary work.
Sources of Information
There are a number of papers about particular matters (heating, lighting, memorials, stained glass and so on) which are published, some by the Church Buildings Council and some by the DAC. These can give invaluable advice in the first instance.
WORDS OF WARNING ABOUT DAMP THE MAJOR ENEMY The slate was lost for want of a nail, For want of a slate the rafter was lost, For want of a rafter the roof was lost, For want of a roof the church was lost, And all for the want of a copper nail. l.
It is important to keep gutters and downpipes clear of obstruction - as instructed by the Archdeacon. Though he shouts and he mutters about spouts and gutters, And Churchwardens he bullies to clean out their gullies, Yet his charge is neglected and decay undetected.
2.
Save in special circumstances strong cement pointing can do more harm than good - use lime mortars specified to do the job. To point is very vulgar, with derisory intent, But even more iniquitous is pointing with cement.
3.
Consult your church architect about plasters and paints appropriate for the internal walls of old churches - use lime plaster with limewash or distemper.
The DAC is there to serve the parishes. It can be contacted through:The Assistant Secretary, Mrs S Davis, Diocesan Registry, 14 Market Place, Wells, BA5 2RE Tel: 01749 674747
Direct Fax: 01749 834060 E-mail:
[email protected] January 2009
