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.
2026 CHURCHWARDENS VISITATIONS (BISHOP'S EPISCOPAL VISITATIONS)
The 2026 Visitations letter from The Bishop inviting Churchwardens to attend the annual Visitations has been sent to all Churchwardens, together with a Reply Slip. You are welcome to attend whichever Visitation is most convenient for you in terms of date and time, wherever it is taking place within the Diocese. The dates and venues are:-
Wednesday 3rd June - Pontesbury, St George's at 2pm
Wednesday 10th June - Church Stretton, St Laurence's at 7pm
Wednesday 17th June - Hereford Cathedral at 11.30am
Wednesday 24th June - Dore Abbey at 7pm
Tuesdsay 30th June - Bromyard, St Peter's at 3pm
It is a legal requirement for all Churchwardens, whether newly elected or continuing, to be sworn into office each year and this happens at a Visitation Service.
The Bishop's Visitations invitation letter to Churchwardens
The Canons of the Church of England for Churchwardens
The following includes a list of documents and links to other websites which may offer further support and information about the role of Churchwarden:
- The Churchwarden's Yearbook 2026 Order Form - The annual diary and source of information for churchwardens in The Church of England and The Church in Wales
- Canon Law Information
- Role of a Churchwarden - Print Version
- Role of a Churchwarden - Web Version
- Faculty Information
- Church Buildings and Faculties
- In the absence of a Treasurer follow this link for Financial Guidance
- In the absence of a PCC Secretary follow this link for Administrative Guidance
- Churchyard Regulations
- GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation
- Statistics for Mission