Diocesan Registry legal advice

Couples who do not already have the legal entitlement to marry in the church they wish to be married in have a way to attain that entitlement by attending services in the parish at least once a month for a period of six months or more.

Couples who need to marry because of critical ill health or similar urgent need can still apply for an Archbishop’s Special Licence from the Faculty Office.

Conduct of PCC business by remote meetings or by correspondence

The Chancellor has directed that he dispenses with the requirement of public notice with immediate effect in all faculty applications currently in train and in any application made in the period to 3 July 2020.

All applications for private faculties must be made by email during COVID-19. These include memorials, exhumations and reservation of grave spaces. 

The government has advised that meetings should not take place and, therefore, it seems likely that it will not be possible or practicable for some or all parishes to hold their annual meetings by 31st May as required by the Churchwardens Measure 2001 and the Church Representation Rules.