What is Pastoral Re-Organisation?
The basic framework of the ministry and mission in the Church of England comprises parishes (units of administration), benefices (units of ministry) and deaneries (geographical areas). These provide the structural and organisational framework of how the Diocese operates.
Some of these structures and groupings are historical and so need to be reviewed from time to time to enable the local church to be more effective in mission and ministry while balancing needs and available resources.
Parishes can be joined together or reconfigured in many ways, and boundaries can be redrawn. This is done through a legal process known as pastoral re-organisation under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011.
Re-organisation includes consultation with the PCC, deanery, archdeaconry and patrons. Following such consultation a Pastoral Scheme may be drawn up (or a Pastoral Order for smaller changes). This flow chart shows the main steps of pastoral re-organisation.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Deborah Thorley
Examples of Pastoral Re-organisation
• Union of benefices
• Union of parishes
• Creation or termination of Team Ministries
• Creation or termination of Group Ministries
• Creation or termination of Pluralities
• Appropriation of churchyard for a new use
• Parish boundary changes
• Deanery alterations
• Closure of church buildings (see Church Closures)