Faculty Jurisdiction

Abstract

This chapter examines the faculty jurisdiction of the Church of England. A faculty refers to a permissive right to alter a church building, its contents, or its immediate surroundings. Undertaking such works in the absence of a faculty is unlawful. The chapter first considers matters that do not require a faculty before discussing the ecclesiastical exemption for particular church buildings or particular categories of building. It then looks at the roles of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, national amenity societies, and the Church Buildings Council in faculty jurisdiction. It also explains issues relating to the grant of a faculty, including objections, unopposed petitions, opposed proceedings, hearings, appeals, and legal costs. The chapter concludes with an overview of particular cases covered by the faculty jurisdiction such as those involving altars, churchyards, demolition, disposal of church treasures, graves, libraries, and pews.