visitation news www.oxford.anglican.org
Spring 2012 - issue 11
A challenging year... Towards the end of last year, the German Chancellor said that Western Europe was facing its greatest challenge since the Second World War. The Euro was on the edge of collapse. Most people have experienced a financial reverse, though some have benefited substantially from low mortgage interest rates. Some have lost their jobs and others are worried that they might. Many young people have not been able to get on the bottom rung of a career or housing ladder. Most readers of this Archdeacons’ Visitation News will have entered adult life expecting to be better off than their parents. Young people today do not think that. They wonder if they start a family, how and when they will find the deposit to buy a house.
For churches, as for families and indeed national governments there are financial challenges in a period of higher inflation and falling disposable incomes. Many churchwardens and parish treasurers have expressed concerns about finances in 2012. In response there have been resolute efforts to make savings in diocesan and national church expenditure while seeking to protect good-quality clergy education and training. This is vital for the future. Clergy, churchwardens and PCCs have new opportunities to work out how to reach out to those becoming aware that the glitz, glamour and easy money of recent years secure neither a happy nor a fulfilled life.
Secure, loving and supportive relationships in family, church and community are much more important. People are still attracted to churches where God’s kingly rule can be seen in the lives of his people. This year’s Living Faith initiative is emphasising “Making a Difference in the World” and it is a challenge to find practical ways of doing that. It certainly means that our churches need to be outward facing, not inward looking. Some initiatives such as street pastors and town chaplains are making a difference, but there are other outward looking ways to make Christ real in our towns and villages. In a recent address celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible in Christ Church Cathedral, the Prime Minister said: “We are a Christian country.” In no way was he saying that there is no place for those of other faiths or none. Quite the contrary. “What I am saying is that the Bible has helped give Britain a set of values and morals which make Britain what it is today.” Of course, it is important to get the economy in good order, but our wellbeing depends more fundamentally on the rediscovery of those virtues and values which are formed in us as we seek to live as followers of Christ.
The Venerable Norman Russell Archdeacon of Berkshire
The Venerable Karen Gorham Archdeacon of Buckingham
The Venerable Hedley Ringrose Interim Archdeacon of Oxford
archdber@oxford.anglican.org Tel: 01635 552820
archdbuc@oxford.anglican.org Tel: 01865 208264
archdoxf@oxford.anglican.org Tel: 01865 208245
www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
We would like to thank churchwardens for their help in looking after our heritage. We are very grateful to Ecclesiastical for its help in producing this newsletter at no cost to the Diocese.
or at risk (e.g. those with learning disabilities, prisoners, those with mental health needs). In a world of vast inequalities within and between nations, and in a country where many are living pressured and isolated lives with little sense of purpose or meaning, there is much that we can do to encourage reflection, learning and action about making the world a better place. But it’s important to remember that ‘Making a Difference in the World’ isn’t simply about being a social activist. Prayer and worship are equally important and in everything we do, we shall be focusing on those too. Contemplation and action go hand in hand. 2012 is an opportunity to celebrate what we are currently doing, inspire one another to embrace new things and remember that we are joining in God’s mission, so will find God there.
Here’s how you can be part of it
2012: Celebrate Making a Difference 2012 is to be the diocesan Living Faith year of ‘Making a Difference’. We embark upon it knowing that ordinary Christians are busy transforming the lives of others, often in quiet and unsung ways. The aim in 2012 is to share what we do, inspiring one another in new and different ways. We have begun by asking ordinary Christians across the diocese to tell us how you are making a difference. Here’s what some of you said: ‘I know that my mum gets upset sometimes looking after Granny, and finds it quite a strain. So sometimes I just go and give her a hug.’ ‘I work in the international coal industry which puts more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than any other industry, so I take every opportunity to persuade everyone involved in the industry to reduce its carbon emissions. This is part of caring for all of God’s creation and everyone on our planet.’ ‘I am privileged to work as a church governor at my local primary school and have the opportunity of sharing my faith with young children.’ ‘I visit the elderly, some of whom have dementia. I hope my regular visits help them retain the sense of their own unique value.’
It’s not too late for YOU to send me a sentence about how YOU make a difference (email alison.webster@ oxford.anglican.org). I would love to hear from you. Christians offer phenomenal gifts to the world, through activities that are local, national and international, involving individuals (in their families and workplaces, paid and voluntary), parish-based projects, church and community schools, ecumenical networks and interfaith co-operation. Sometimes we aim to meet particular needs (support for asylum seekers, homeless people, families, older people); sometimes we choose to join campaigns and to speak out (against poverty, debt, and modern day forms of slavery). And there are many Christians who act as mentors to, and advocates for, those who are vulnerable
Reflect and pray together using the various written publications and resources that will be produced throughout the year, including a six-session resource for personal and group reflection, ‘BE the Difference’ (due out March 2012), and ‘Passion for Real Life’, a resource for Holy Week. Celebrate ‘Make A Difference Sunday’ during the ‘Month of Sundays’, that is October 2012. We will be producing resources later in the year to enable parishes to celebrate the activities of those in the congregation. Set aside an October Sunday NOW and begin thinking about who and what you would like to celebrate and how you can thank God and inspire one another. Attend the arts-based Making a Difference diocesan festival that will be held on Saturday 27 October 2012. Parishes will be invited to come along, bringing something with them that is symbolic of how they make a difference, so that we can gather these together and make a big celebratory work of art! Keynote speakers include Ann Morisy (author of many books on mission and social action) and Janice Price (Archbishop’s Council Adviser on World Mission). Partner with your local school: the Diocesan Board of Education is focusing on Making a Difference too, especially in the academic year beginning in September 2012. Revamp your church noticeboard to make sure you are communicating with the world about how you are making a difference in your local community and/ or nationally/globally. We will be inviting photographs and running a competition for the best one! Keep your eyes on the Door and the diocesan website for further information about all these activities. Alison Webster Diocesan Social Responsibility Adviser
Hands Off Our Church Roofs! Ecclesiastical launches a new campaign to fight metal theft...
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The system requires no user intervention and works for years.
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Large roof areas can be covered cost effectively.
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If the security system is activated, a planned response based on your specific instructions is carried out – perfect for buildings in remote or rural locations.
If you install an Ecclesiastical-approved roof security system and have also complied with the theft of external metal policy condition, Ecclesiastical may be able to increase your metal theft cover, depending on your individual circumstances. The roof alarm FAQs mentioned below include more information about this.
More information If you would like to arrange a free* no-obligation alarm survey for your church, or if you have any queries about the alarm system, please contact us on 0845 600 9659 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays) or by email at roofalarms@ecclesiastical.com
the effectiveness of roof alarms on a widespread basis, at a local level, and to encourage more churches to install alarms, Ecclesiastical is currently investing £500,000 to install systems on selected ‘at risk’ churches across dioceses in England, Wales and Scotland.
Last year was the worst on record for the number of claims for the theft of metal from churches, with claims exceeding 2,500 by the end of the year. In fact, over the past four years, metal theft claims from churches Ecclesiastical insure have now exceeded £25m, with over 9,000 claims. More than seven churches a day are falling victim to the attacks† and, unless action is taken now, the wave of metal theft raids can only continue throughout 2012 causing untold distress to our parish communities. This is why Ecclesiastical has recently launched the ‘Hands Off Our Church Roofs’ anti-metal theft campaign, to deter criminals and protect places of worship from this crime.
What is the ‘Hands Off Our Church Roofs’ campaign? Ecclesiastical is determined to do all it can to reduce metal theft. Over the last two years, Ecclesiastical has been piloting the use of electronic roof security systems on churches in metal theft hot spots. The systems have proven to be very effective at preventing further losses and the insurer is now taking this initiative to the next stage. To demonstrate
Once Ecclesiastical has protected the selected churches in a diocese by installing the alarm systems, they will let all the other churches in the diocese know by sending them an information pack. The pack will contain information about the alarm system, including details of where parishes can go to see a system in operation near them (Ecclesiastical recommends that you see for yourself how effective the system is). It is expected that this will encourage many more parishes to install alarms as a solution to the church metal theft problem. To help deter thieves further, the information packs will include two weather-resistant, glow-in-the-dark campaign posters (see picture above), which Ecclesiastical is encouraging all parishes to display prominently. You can also download a copy of the poster at www.ecclesiastical.com/handsoff
Roof alarms – key benefits ■
Highly effective at deterring metal theft as demonstrated in recent trials in theft hot-spot areas.
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The system is specifically designed to detect and deter intruders before any damage is caused.
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The technology used is virtually invisible and reversible.
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Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors prevent false alarms.
For more information about the campaign including a video, roof alarm FAQs and a tool which will help you understand how at risk your church is from metal theft, please visit www.ecclesiastical.com/handsoff
Other ways to protect your church Top tips include: ■
Applying a forensically based security marking product, such as SmartWater** to external metal, prominently displaying associated signage and registering the kit with the supplier. For SmartWater supplies (at a 40% discount), please call 01952 204 102.
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Engaging with your community – join the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme and urge the church’s neighbours to keep a watchful eye out for anything suspicious around the church.
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Make theft more difficult by removing any easy access onto building roofs, such as water butts, waste bins and tall trees located near to the building. Remember to get any necessary approval for tree cutting e.g. from the local authority, before work starts.
More advice and detailed guidance notes can be found at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
† In 2011, according to claims figures available up to the
end of December. *UK mainland only – travel expenses may be applicable offshore. **The registration and use of SmartWater, or an alternative forensic marking system approved by us, is a policy condition on both our Parishguard and Hallguard policies.
Support for you at ‘Church Matters’... As well as addressing spiritual matters, today’s churches are faced with what can seem like a maze of administrative and legislative issues. Like any other organisation, churches are subject to health and safety legislation, risk assessments are required for a wide range of activities and there is always the general issue of security to be addressed.
Ecclesiastical is proud to reach its 125-year milestone in 2012. The anniversary is a great opportunity to celebrate, but also a time to look back and plan for the future. During this important year, Ecclesiastical will be providing even greater support to the Church, charities and the not-for-profit sector, both nationally and locally. For example, one of the initiatives the insurer is undertaking is to provide funds to enable the Church of England to produce a new and improved Churchcare website. The website is designed to help everyone involved in caring for church buildings through offering practical advice, guidance and links to other useful sources of information. In a world that seems increasingly to take the short term view, 125 years is a long time in anyone’s book. Ecclesiastical is proud to have played a part for such a long time in helping churches to make a difference in local communities and looks forward to continuing to do so for many years to come.
NEW Interactive forms
As part of its service to the Church, Ecclesiastical has set up a dedicated website called ‘Church Matters’ where you can find a wealth of advice and practical assistance on these issues. With spring now here, many churches will be turning their attention to essential building work whether that involves carrying out general repairs or undertaking major alterations. If you are contemplating any such work, it is essential that you advise Ecclesiastical before any works start. This is easy to do by using the on-line Commercial Building Works questionnaire that you will find on the Church Matters website.
Church Matters also includes a range of downloadable guidance notes on topics such as, security, health & safety and fire safety, together with a range of useful interactive forms that you can personalise for your church and save for your records. To find out more, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
A passion for churches Ian Giles thoroughly enjoys visiting churches – so much so that he chose a career which allows him to visit most churches within 100 miles or so of Bristol!
To visit the Churchcare website, please visit www.churchcare.co.uk
Ian is an Insurance Consultant and Surveyor (IC&S), part of a team of highly respected professionals who work for Ecclesiastical advising PCCs on health & safety risk management and the insurance of their church premises.
For more information about Ecclesiastical’s 125 celebrations, please visit www.ecclesiastical.com/125
With over 30 years in the insurance industry, Ian, like his colleagues across the country, is qualified to tackle most risk management issues churches raise with
New technologies – new challenges Both the Church of England and the Church in Wales aim to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 (in line with government targets) to help meet the global challenge set by climate change. To that end, both Churches are running environmental campaigns – in England Shrinking the Footprint and in Wales
them. “People usually want to know how I value their church and what impact it will have on their premium. Rebuilding works and repairs are other major issues.” Ian and his colleagues have a rolling programme of church visits, however team members are often called out more frequently to inspect damage, the aftermath of a metal theft or building modifications. IC&S teams also deliver tailored presentations on topics including fire and security, health & safety, metal theft and insurance protection to supplement published guidance notes and are happy to undertake presentations on other related topics. To find out who your local IC&S is, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters and enter your postcode.
CHASE (Church Action on Sustaining the Environment). Churches nationwide are looking at ways they can reduce their carbon impact and green technologies are being considered to save, or even generate, energy. One approach to energy generation is to install a photovoltaic (PV) system. For any church considering installing such a system, Ecclesiastical has produced a brief guide which is available at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
Are you heading for a fall? It may have been just a small set of steps, but it was tall enough to send Ecclesiastical Insurance Consultant and Surveyor Peter Halden crashing to the concrete floor of a church, smacking his head on a radiator as he fell.
Don’t trip up on health and safety... Minor accidents can happen in any building to which the general public has access – and the older the building, the greater the risk of what the insurance industry terms ‘slips, trips and falls’. In a litigious society, minor, sometimes spurious, accidents can expose churches to potentially significant public liability claims.
With this in mind, the importance of having up-to-date health & safety records becomes evident, as Bob Johnson of Ecclesiastical
explains: “It is vital to have a specific individual responsible for health & safety within the PCC. It is their responsibility to ensure the completion of the necessary risk assessment forms which will be the main form of defence against any spurious insurance claim.”
Further advice is included in the Health & Safety guidance notes at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
Health & safety risk should be a regular agenda item at PCC meetings and further guidance on this topic can be found at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
Electrical safety matters... Faulty electrical wiring is the second biggest cause of fires in churches after arson and, according to Ecclesiastical, the full scale of the problem is difficult to measure because in some cases the damage is so severe that the fire authorities are unable to pinpoint the specific cause of the fire.
Chancel Repair Liability – a trustee responsibility Parishes have until October 2013 to investigate the position of their church relating to chancel repair liability and, if appropriate, note their interest with the Land Registry. Because of a well-publicised court case, Aston Cantlow PCC v Wallbank (2001), the Government included provisions relating to this liability under the Land Registration Act 2002. Under this order chancel repair liability needs to be registered as a notice (or caution in respect of unregistered land) before 13 October 2013. Failure to do this could risk losing the benefit of a traditional and valuable gift.
The first requirement for electrical safety is to ensure that wiring is up to date and thereafter that it is inspected and tested at minimum intervals of five years. For additional safety, routine checks should be carried out on an annual basis. While routine checks can be carried out by someone who is competent to understand the electrical system, this person need not be electrically skilled. For the five-year inspection and test, however, the services of a suitably qualified professional are required. Ecclesiastical recommends that this should be an NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) registered contractor, a member of the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) or a member of The National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT). Registration or membership must be on a full scope basis.
“The steps Peter was given were too weak for the job,” said Bob Johnson, Ecclesiastical’s Technical Risk Services Manager. “He’s lucky not to have been seriously injured. We recommend that PCCs check our guidance notes on working from heights. If the steps Peter climbed had been of commercial strength, they would have supported him properly. If you need to use a ladder, for example to change light bulbs high in the roof, these need attaching to an anchor point to ensure they are safe for use.”
Where a PCC is a charity, its trustees have a duty to safeguard its assets, which would include registering the chancel repair liability. Failure to register could render trustees personally liable for any shortfall in the cost of repairs that would have otherwise been covered by chancel repair liability.
For more information, please download the Health & Safety policy with guidance document at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
To find out more about the insurance implications of chancel repair liability, please call 0845 777 3322.
Home insurance from one of the best It is widely accepted that endorsement from Which?, the UK’s leading consumer rights group, recognises companies that offer the best products and services. That is why Ecclesiastical is particularly proud to have been named again in January 2012 as a Which? ‘Recommended Provider’ for home insurance. For members of the church community there is even more good news because you can save over 30% on Ecclesiastical’s Home Insurance when buying a combined building and contents policy online (subject to minimum premiums and terms and conditions). For your free no-obligation quote, please call 0800 917 3345 and quote ‘AV news’ (8.00am to 6.00pm weekdays) or visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchworker
Renewal date not due yet? Simply go to www.ecclesiastical.com/ avnews and enter your details. Ecclesiastical will be in touch with a quote nearer the time.
Is it time to give your parish funds a makeover? With interest rates remaining at record lows and costs rising, the need for careful stewardship of parish funds has never been more critical. Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) who specialise in financial advice for the clergy and church people. EFAS advice takes into account the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group and the Church in Wales Ethical Policy Statements and any key ethical criteria set by individual investors.
Each PCC is the custodian of parish funds and members are charity trustees with a duty to manage and use their financial resources to achieve their greatest potential. Part of a trustee’s role – indeed a legal obligation – is to periodically review investments to ensure they remain suitable according to the Council’s investment policy statement. Responsibilities also include exercise of skill and care when making investment decisions, deciding on the right investments, their suitability and diversity – and deciding when to take expert advice. Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services (EFAS), part of Ecclesiastical, is a national company of
For parishes with funds typically of £25,000 or more available, EFAS can help review investment policy and advise whether it may be possible to achieve better returns than existing deposit arrangements. The aim is to help parishes build an ethical investment approach, generating income while avoiding excessive or unnecessary risk. Because of its unique understanding, EFAS can also advise individuals on the legal responsibilities of being a warden and treasurer in relation to church finances. The aim is to build a partnership supporting treasurers in their financial stewardship responsibilities and help maximise parish income. Please remember the value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested. To find out more about EFAS, please call 0800 107 0190 and quote ‘AV news’ or visit www.ecclesiastical.com/getadvice
Ecclesiastical supports Christian Aid Ecclesiastical is again working with Christian Aid in 2012 to support its work in the fight against global poverty and has introduced a new money-raising initiative.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Gas beacons insurance cover In June 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will become only the second monarch in British history to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. As part of the celebrations, 2,012 beacons will be lit across the country on 4th June, including some gas beacons on church and cathedral towers. The beacons are fuelled by liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which is extremely flammable and readily combines with air to form an explosive mix. Ecclesiastical would like to offer churches assurance that insurance cover is in place but asks that if you are intending to use gas beacons on your church building, please call 0845 777 3322. Ecclesiastical can then talk to you about your cover and offer you tailored advice in addition to the dedicated risk management advice which can be found at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters
Ecclesiastical is continuing to provide ‘bags for life’ for use by collectors and volunteers during the UK’s biggest house-to-house charity collection. In addition to that, the company has introduced a scheme that could see Christian Aid benefiting from thousands of pounds in additional donations. The idea is very simple: Ecclesiastical is asking Christian Aid supporters to let them know the month in which their household insurance policy is due for renewal. For every date they receive, the company will donate 50p to Christian Aid.
encouraging your friends and family to do the same.
You too can get involved in supporting Christian Aid by letting Ecclesiastical know your home insurance renewal date and
Just call Ecclesiastical on 0800 917 4154 or visit www.ecclesiastical.com/caw for more information or to leave a renewal date.
Do you have a charity linked to your church? If so, is it insured with Ecclesiastical? You might not know, but Ecclesiastical has been insuring church-related charities and voluntary organisations for many years. With a dedicated charity policy Ecclesiastical protects you, your property, your activities, your volunteers and your trustees.
For more information, please call 0845 777 3322 and quote ‘AV news’.
Quinquennial inspections The Church of England’s quinquennial inspection system provides for the inspection of church buildings every five years by an architect or chartered building surveyor approved by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). included in the main report. The professional adviser will need to see the terrier and inventory, the log book and any other paperwork relevant to the building. The survey will cover the repair of the building and associated matters such as the maintenance, sustainability and safety of the structure, unsafe floors and access. It will recommend further specialist reports, such as a test of lightning conductors and a report on trees in the churchyard, where necessary. The inspection report is written according to a standard template and copies sent to the incumbent, PCC secretary, Archdeacon and DAC Secretary.
The quinquennial report is a key document which assists the Parochial Church Council in the care and repair of a church building for which it is legally responsible. It gives a snapshot of the repair needs of the building and lists the repairs required according to their priority. It is also read by the DAC Secretary, the Archdeacon and any grantgiving bodies which the PCC approaches. The legal framework for the quinquennial inspection system can be found in the Inspection of Churches Measure 1955. The inspection is an important part of church life and should be given the highest priority when due. The appointment of a professional adviser is made by each PCC. It is important that a professional adviser's training and experience in building conservation matches the problems presented in looking after the church in question, and it is worthwhile for PCCs to take soundings from other churches to discover their experience of local architects and surveyors. When the inspection is due, a certain amount of preparation is necessary by the churchwarden or whoever the PCC appoints to deal with this issue. The adviser and PCC representative should agree what special access arrangements are necessary, such as ladders to inspect the roof, additional labour and so on. Access to roofs for the inspection also gives a good opportunity for the gutters to be cleaned. Keys should be readily available for all parts of the building normally kept locked. Bells should be down on the day of the inspection and ringers asked to report on any problems with the ring. It is normal practice for the electrical system to be tested every five years by an electrician who is a member of NICEIC or ECA, and also for any lightning conductors to be tested by a suitable specialist. An energy review every few years can assist parishes with their carbon management. An arboricultural report prior to the quinquennial inspection may be sensible. It is a good idea for these tests to be done before the professional adviser's inspection, so the results can be
When the report is received, it is important for the incumbent, churchwardens and PCC to read the report and understand its recommendations. The report is designed to be a thorough and complete assessment of the condition of the building and can therefore be a lengthy document. It is very useful for the PCC to walk round the building going through the recommendations. The professional adviser should be willing to meet to go through the recommendations initially. Each part of the building is described and an assessment given of the repair needs. Where action is needed, the report gives this on a scale from A to E according to the urgency of the repair: A – urgent, requiring immediate attention B – requires attention within 12 months C – requires attention within the next 18 – 24 months D – requires attention within the quinquennial period E – a desirable improvement with no timescale Items that require maintenance are identified in the following category: M – routine items of maintenance Any items under category A cover urgent repair needs of the building or the safety of its users. The professional adviser is likely to mention these at the time of the inspection and give guidance on how the problems can be addressed. The report is not a specification of work and most repair items will require professional advice from either the professional adviser or an architect/ surveyor of comparable experience. Once the PCC is able to put the works in hand, therefore, it is normal practice to instruct the professional adviser, through a separate contract, to prepare a specification and seek tenders from builders of suitable experience. The implementation of all items within the report will require a faculty, except items of maintenance or those that are included on the diocesan list of matters that can be implemented without a faculty. The DAC Secretary will be able to advise on this. Professional advisers should be seen as the ‘family GP’ as far as the care of the church is concerned. Where any problem arises with the fabric, parishes should not hesitate to get in touch.
Choosing the right architect The foundation of a successful building project – whether it is a programme of repairs, a reordering or even an extension – is selecting a design professional with the right skills. Some architects and surveyors specialise in conservation work, making them well qualified for appointment as your quinquennial inspector or to lead grantaided works of repair. Others specialise in the design of new work such as parish rooms, extensions and refurbishments. Design work and conservation work require different skills and experience, and it is the case that most professionals will be better at one or the other. Your quinquennial inspector may be well suited to inspection work, but that does not make him or her necessarily the best choice for a development project. When appointing a professional for a development project, start by approaching parishes which have completed a project similar to yours and discussing their experience. The DAC can provide a list of such parishes, a list of suggested architects for your consideration and advice on the appointment process. If you want to appoint a new quinquennial inspector for your church, the best place to start is the approved list of inspectors which is available from the DAC office. This is a list of architects and surveyors who have applied to the DAC for inclusion and who have been accepted on the basis of their qualifications and experience. You should note, however, that just because a professional is included on the list does not automatically make him or her the right appointment for your church. It is important to find someone with whom the PCC can have a good working relationship and who has experience with buildings of your style, material and grade. You can contact the DAC office or your Archdeacon for suggestions and it may also be useful to ask fellow churchwardens in your area. For further information and the lists referred to above, contact the DAC Secretary at natalie.merry@oxford.anglican.org or phone 01865 208229.
New art for churches When did you last introduce a new item into your church? Was it a gift? And was it chosen from a church catalogue or from an individual artist? Of course money is tight but even so churches receive unexpected bequests.
Church burglaries In the light of the recent spate of burglaries on church premises, all incumbents and churchwardens are reminded of the need to protect their church’s valuables. As a first step you are advised to contact your insurers as to the adequacy of your church safe and its anchoring, if any, into the fabric of the church. Many safes are now woefully out of date and your Archdeacon and/or insurer can advise you as to an adequate replacement. If your church does not have an adequate safe the practice may well be that the church silver and other valuable items are being kept away from the church. However this has recently caused difficulties within the diocese, since over the years it has been found that valuable silver and items have as a result been overlooked and ultimately mislaid. You are therefore reminded that any removal of church silver or other valuables (other than for temporary purposes, such as cleaning) requires a faculty. Before submitting any such faculty application parishes should discuss insurance arrangements for these items with their insurer and confirm that these are in place as part of the application. Not only does this protect the incumbent, churchwardens and those individually concerned, but it also ensures that a central record is kept as to the location of such items and thus prevents their accidental loss to the church.
Our churches are full of art that inspires us today but which was new in its day. So we too can be inspired by new art which in turn will assist the worship of future generations. Why not step back and see your church with new eyes? What about the clutter in that aisle? Would a piece of art transform that area and inspire your worship? Whatever you do, don’t just reach for that old catalogue and don’t accept that table just because it is the gift of a member of the congregation. Your church may deserve better than that. First ask the DAC who will give expert advice. There may also be a local craftsman or woman living in your area. Similarly your local art college may have ideas.
Processional cross in Dorchester Abbey by Brian Catling
Approach the whole enterprise from a fresh perspective. Look at some of the new art within the Diocese, for example Brian Catling’s processional cross in Dorchester Abbey and Nicholas Mynheer’s aumbry in Iffley church. You will also find invaluable help from the Church Buildings Council’s pamphlet Commissioning New Art for Churches: A Guide for Parishes and Artists on its website and that of commission4mission. Lastly you may be surprised and receive some financial help. You never know! (Oh, and don’t forget the faculty.)
Please see Ecclesiastical’s security guidance notes at www.ecclesiastical.com/ churchmatters for more information about safes and keeping your building secure. Iffley Aumbry by Nicholas Mynheer
This advice and information is given in good faith and is based on our understanding of current law and practice. Neither Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc nor its subsidiaries accept any liability whatsoever for any errors or omissions which may result in injury, loss or damage, including consequential or financial loss. It is the responsibility of the insured or any other person to ensure that they comply with their statutory obligations. The interpretation or implementation of the notes contained in this newsletter is at the sole discretion of the insured or any other party who may read these notes.
For more information call 0845 777 3322 email information@ecclesiastical.com visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc (EIO) Reg. No. 24869. Ecclesiastical Insurance Group plc (EIG) Reg. No. 1718196. Ecclesiastical Life Ltd (ELL) Reg. No. 243111. Ecclesiastical Investment Management Ltd (EIM) Reg. No. 2519319. Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services Ltd (EFAS) Reg. No. 2046087. Ecclesiastical Services Ltd (ES) Reg. No. 1811698. E.I.O. Trustee Ltd Reg. No. 941199. All companies are registered in England at Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ, UK. EIO, ELL, EIM & EFAS are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are members of the Financial Ombudsman Service. EIO & ELL are members of the Association of British Insurers and EIM is a member of the Investment Management Association. © Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc 2012
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