Being a Churchwarden

Churchwardens are the bishop's lay officers in a parish. It is a volunteer role, and Churchwardens are vital to the health and wellbeing of our church communities.

The role of a Churchwarden is a statutory one, with ancient origins. The rights and responsibilities are laid down in ecclesiastical law under the Churchwardens Measure 2001.

Their first and direct responsibility is to the Bishop, usually via the Archdeacon. Together with the parish priest, they are generally responsible for the day-to-day functioning of a parish.

Today the role is very varied, but generally involves matters to do with church life, governance, buildings and worship. Churchwardens work closely with Archdeacons and their offices.

Archdeacons’ Visitation News

Each year, Ecclesiastical support Dioceses in the production of the Archdeacons’ Visitation News. This publication contains articles of particular relevance to the role of Churchwarden, to help support, guide and advise.

The latest publication can be downloaded below.


Admission of Churchwardens

The Office of Churchwarden is an annual office and it is a legal requirement for all churchwardens to be sworn in every year by the Diocesan Registrar or Archdeacon.

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Churchwardens' Training Day

The Churchwardens Annual Training Day was held in September 2023 - this page includes the presentations from the day as well as a "save the date" for the next training day which will be on 28 September 2024.

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Contact the Archdeacons

This page provides the contact details for the Archdeacon of Cambridge and the Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech, along with the Rural Deans for each Deanery within those Archdeaconries, and where possible, other key Deanery contacts. It also includes contact details for the Surrogates for Marriage.


Further resources and support for Churchwardens

There are lots of online resources to help you in your role as a Churchwarden, this page links to some of the main sites.

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Institution and Licensing Services

Diocesan templates for Licensing or Institution services.

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Requirements and key functions of a Churchwarden

An overview of the key requirements and functions of a churchwarden.

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Safeguarding Responsibilities of Churchwardens

This page highlights the key safeguarding responsibilities of churchwardens as identified in the Church of England guidance report "Key Roles and Responsibilities of Church Office Holders and Bodies Practice Guidance".

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Selection and appointment of Churchwardens

Information on the appointment and selection of Churchwardens

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