Every six years, each parish in the Church of England renews its Electoral Roll. That means all the names are erased from the present Roll. For All Saints' Cheadle Hulme this is happening in 2019. Read on to find out what you need to do to be included in the new Roll...
What is the Electoral Roll?
The church Electoral Roll is a list, by name and address, of the active and faithful members of the church, which each parish is required to set up under the Church Representation Rules; this is a legal requirement.
The Roll is used to determine eligibility for attendance and participation at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and for election to the Parochial Church Council (PCC). It is also used to determine eligibility for election to the Deanery, Diocesan, and General Synods. In addition, it is used for the calculation of the number of representatives who may be elected to each of these synods.
It is the APCM that receives reports on:
- the proceedings of the PCC
- the activities of the parish in general
- the financial position of the parish
- the fabric, goods, and ornaments of the church
- and the proceedings of the Deanery Synod
The APCM also elects its lay representatives to serve on the PCC and the deanery synod, all of whose names, along with those of the sidesmen, must be on the Electoral Roll.
The PCC is the executive committee of the parish and is responsible for the financial affairs of the parish; the maintenance of its assets and for promoting the mission of the church. The names of all lay members of the PCC must be on the Electoral Roll.
The parish share, the amount of money All Saints' pays each year to the Diocese of Chester, is not calculated according to the numbers on the Roll.
Why Join the Electoral Roll?
Joining the Electoral Roll is an important way of confirming your commitment to the All Saints' community and to the vision of the church. But it also opens up the way for greater involvement in the life of the Church of England, at Deanery, Diocesan, and national levels.
Do I qualify for the Roll?
To apply for the Electoral Roll you must meet ALL the following conditions:
- You must be aged 16 or over (though you can apply in the year you become 16 and your name will be entered once your birth date has passed)
- You must be baptised
- You must be a member of the Church of England and EITHER live in the parish OR have attended our church regularly for at least 6 months
Do I have to join?
You can, of course, be an active member of All Saints' without joining the Roll, but you will not have a say in how the church is run. And being on the Electoral Roll does not entail signing up to any additional commitments. However, it does help the Church show its strength. Representation on the governing bodies of the church depends on the number on the Electoral Roll.
How do I join?
All you need to do is fill in and sign the form which is at the back of church and post it in the Electoral Roll box next to the forms. If you are not able to get into the church to collect a form, please email us. Completed forms must be returned to the box by Sunday 17 March 2019.
Electoral Roll Officer, Michael Aiers.