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Moseley Chimes
October 2008
Every parish in the Church of England is required to have an Electoral Roll but do you know what it is?
You are entitled to be entered on the Roll if you are baptised, at least 16 years of age and declare that you are a member of the Church of England either living in the parish or if you live outside, `habitually’ attending worship over the last six months. This strange term is not defined but most clergy take this to mean `fairly regularly’ and not just every once in a while! But why do we have one?
First, it is NOT a membership list. The Church of England is not a congregational church or synagogue where membership is a requirement of taking part. We believe that baptism is the mark of membership of the one holy, catholic and apostolic church so that everyone is welcome at the Lord’s Table. Whilst it is true that the names on the Electoral Roll are used as a database for circulation, it is certainly not a definitive list of those who attend church regularly. Many people prefer not to apply to be included on the Roll and several are on it who hardly ever attend!
It also does not guarantee your child getting into Moseley C of E School. It is the child’s attendance at church services that matters under the present admission criteria to the school not the parents’ names on the Electoral Roll.
As the name implies, an Electoral Roll is primarily about elections. Only those members of a church’s congregation who are on the Electoral Roll can vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting for the election of PCC and Deanery representatives who themselves have to have been on the Roll for at least six months to stand for election. In fact, only those on the Roll are permitted to attend that meeting, in addition to the licensed clergy in the parish but anyone living in the parish may vote for the election of churchwardens.
The Electoral Roll also determines the number of representatives to Deanery Synod that can be elected, which for St Anne’s is 3 and for St Mary’s, 5.
Finally, under present rules which will probably change in the near future, if you want to get married in a C of E church and you and your future spouse do not live in the parish, it is a requirement to be on the electoral roll. The normal qualifications apply as to ‘habitual’ worship.
As I have said, the Electoral Roll is not a membership list, but it is used by the Diocese as one of the factors, with the Average Sunday attendance and Parish Factor, in deciding how many people attend each church. This forms the basis for the calculation of the amount that each parish pays for its share of the Common Fund. In 2008, St Mary’s is required to pay £82,272 and St Anne’s £17,357. Whilst the Electoral Roll exceeds the Average Sunday attendance, this has the effect of increasing the amount of the Common Fund payment. Being on the Roll, therefore, has a financial consequence. However there are many people on the Electoral Roll who pay nothing through the envelope schemes or standing order by way of Gift Aid donations or otherwise. They may pay anonymously by putting money in the plate; nevertheless it would be helpful for our financial planning if everyone could be encouraged to play their part in making a regular financial commitment in response to God’s generosity.
Please see Jenny Livermore, Jayne Beauchamp or one of the churchwardens if you would like to be added to the Electoral Roll or removed from it.