The property for which the Diocese of London is responsible
is substantial. We have a duty of stewardship in relation to that property.
We also have a duty to make the best possible use of that property towards
the mission of the Church and the advancement of God's Kingdom.
This paper, which has been prepared by the Head of
Property/Residential Property Manager and has been reviewed and approved by
the Bishops and Archdeacons of the Diocese, focuses on residential property.
It aims to establish certain principles in relation to our residential property
which will, if approved by the Diocesan Finance Committee and Bishop's Council,
be used as a reference point for future property recommendations.
It aims to strike a balance between the pastoral and
financial considerations, which will apply to most decisions on property matters.
It also allows sufficient flexibility to enable the principles to be applied
to the many and various practical circumstances in which our decisions are
taken.
It is principally a forward-looking document, i.e.
it will be applied to future property situations. It will only be used to
change an existing property arrangement with the full consultation
and the agreement (where appropriate) of those required in accordance with
the Parsonages Measures for parsonage housing and with all relevant parties
for other properties.
It is planned to operate these principles for a period
of one year, after which they will be reviewed and, if necessary, updated
in the light of experience.
