At their meeting in February 2022, General Synod made changes to the faculty jurisdiction system aimed at supporting churches to become net-zero carbon by 2030. Ven Pete Spiers outlined the intention behind the changes:
What is the faculty jurisdiction system?
It is the Church of England’s equivalent of planning law and applies to every consecrated church building
What do these changes enable churches to do that they couldn’t do before?
It will make it easier for churches to make adaptations such as insulating pipes, draft-proofing doors and windows, fitting new non fossil fuel boilers, electric pew heaters, electric car charging points and soft furnishings to help worshippers feel warm and comfortable.
The installation of like-for-like fossil fuel boilers and new oil tanks will now be subject to a full faculty application.
Why are these changes needed?
The Church of England’s lead Bishop for Environmental Affairs, Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, said that the General Synod’s 2020 commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030 had been “noticed and praised” at the COP26 summit in Glasgow last year: ‘now it is time to put those worthy words into actions.
Do these changes mean parishes have to make changes?
The proposals do not require or compel parishes to make changes but help to foster an informed approach to decisions making it easier for PCCs to choose to live in a low carbon future for the health of our planet.
When do these changes take effect?
1 July 2022
Who should churches contact with questions about faculty changes and applications?
The Church of England website has a wealth of advice on becoming a net zero carbon church here; https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/net-zero-carbon-church and the Diocese of Liverpool also has contact names here: https://www.liverpool.anglican.org/news-and-events/news/taking-net-zero-carbon-seriously.php
In addition, please contact Chris Leggett, DAC secretary, chris.leggett@liverpool.anglican.org or your Archdeacon.