A Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the governing body of a parish church. Each PCC is a charity and PCC members are trustees of the charity (the parish church). Being a trustee entails various responsibilities under charity law. Most members of a PCC are volunteers.
If you are a member of the PCC; Thank You. Your time and support of the parish church enables mission and ministry to flourish across Norfolk and Waveney.
The Parish Support Team at the Diocese of Norwich are here to help you. Contact hello@dioceseofnorwich.org in the first instance and you will be directed to the right person.
Parish Buying
Steward your church’s resources effectively with Parish Buying
As the Church of England and Church in Wales’ buying service, we’re here to help you save time and money which can then be spent on your church’s mission and ministry.
Giving
The starting point for any discussion on Christian Giving is generosity; not our generosity but God’s – God’s generosity to us. The good news of the gospel is that God is generous; extraordinarily, extravagantly and sacrificially generous.
Legal advice and support
The Diocesan Registry provides legal advice and support to the Diocese of Norwich, and specifically to the Diocesan Board of Finance.
Charitable Status
All PCCs are charities and are subject to the law relating to charities.
Currently PCCs with incomes over £100,000 a year need to register with the Charity Commission. Smaller PCCs are currently excepted from registering with the Charity Commission by statute which means that they do not have a Registered Charity number.
Patronage Register
A Patronage Register is maintained at the Diocesan Registry. There are also details available on the Diocese of Norwich website.
If you require details of the Patrons for a benefice please email the Diocesan Registry Clerk to request this information.
Electoral Roll
The Church Representation Rules (see rule 1) require that every Parochial Church Council (“PCC”) maintains an Electoral Roll and makes it available for inspection by bona fide inquirers.
PCC roles
A Parochial Church Council (PCC) is the governing body of a parish church.
Each PCC is a charity and PCC members are trustees of the charity (the parish church). Being a trustee entails various responsibilities under charity law.
Marriage
The principal law relating to marriage in Church of England parish churches is contained in the Marriage Act 1949.
- Banns
- Common Licence
- Marriage following divorce
- Marriage of unbaptised persons
- Recommended reading for clergy
- Special Licence
- Superintendent Registrar’s certificate
- The Church of England marriage measure 2008.
Chancel Repairs
The liability of some landowners to contribute to the cost of repairing the chancel of a parish church.
Patronage
A Patronage Register is maintained at the Diocesan Registry. There are also details available on the Diocese of Norwich website.
If you require details of the Patrons for a benefice please email the Diocesan Registry Clerk to request this information.
Data Protection Forms
Every PCC member is required to complete a Data Protection Form where they confirm their contact details and give or withdraw consent for how we share their contact details.
GDPR for churches
Just like any other charity or organisation, all parishes must comply with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
The Regulations give individuals more rights and protection in how their personal data is used by organisations.
APCM Forms
Every parish conducts an Annual Parochial Church Meeting not later than the 31 May. Download a range of forms for nominations, finance, Statistics for Mission and more.
There are a range of forms and statements PCCs are required to complete each year.
Dashboards and Data
Completing data and forms may seem difficult or time consuming. But please know that all of our dashboards gather information which then helps to inform mission and ministry across the Church of England in Norfolk and Waveney.