This autumn we are holding elections for Area Councils in the Diocese of London, for the triennium (2024 – 2027).
What is an Area Council?
The functions and powers are contained in full in the Constitution for Area Councils, a copy of which is circulated to members at the first Area Council meeting. In summary –
- The Area Councils support and advise the Episcopal Area Bishops on the mission, ministry, and administration of the church in the Area.
- The Area Council decides on matters of Area concern delegated to it by either the Diocesan Synod or the Diocesan Bishop’s Council, and an important role of the Area Council is to be the Mission and Pastoral Committee for the Area. This includes, e.g. making decisions on proposals for schemes or orders under the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011, in relation to parishes and benefices.
- The Area Council deals with Common Fund issues relating to parishes in the Area.
- The Council may take responsibility for organising Area-wide gatherings and events for the benefit of the Area.
How often does the council meet?
The Area Councils meet between three and six times each year, depending on the Area. The locations vary, also depending on the Area. A number of meetings take place at Diocesan House (SW1P 4AU). The starting times of meetings range between 5pm and 7pm. Following the experience of the pandemic, some Area Council meetings are now held virtually, via Zoom. If this is the case, it will be clearly stated on the Agenda.
Who can stand?
- Any lay person who is taking communion (at least three times in the last year), is confirmed, is at least sixteen years old and whose name is entered on the electoral roll of a parish in the Area can stand to be elected.
- Any member of clergy who is a member of a deanery synod in the relevant Area can stand to be elected to the Area Council for that Area, by the House of Clergy of the relevant deanery synod(s).
(The election documents will have full details).
Who votes in the election?
All members of the House of Laity of the deanery synod except co-opted members vote in the lay elections. All members of the House of Clergy of the deanery synod except co-opted members vote in the clergy elections.
Timetable for elections
| Issue of Notice of Election and Nomination Forms | Tuesday 1 October |
| Closing Date for Return of Nomination Forms | Thursday 24 October (noon) |
| Issue of Voting Papers | Monday 28 October |
| Closing Date for Return of Voting Papers | Wednesday 13 November (noon) |
| Count | Wednesday 13 November |
What to do next if you want to stand
Anybody who qualifies to be elected and who feels they have a role to play on an Area Council should complete a nomination form (when they are published on 1 October) and return it to the Presiding Officer (address on the form).