Electoral Roll
What is the Electoral Roll?
The Parish Electoral Roll is not the same thing as the civic Electoral Register. It is the Parish Church’s register of lay electors. Clergy may not be on the Electoral Roll. In the same way that being on the civic Electoral Roll allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections and referenda, joining the Church Electoral Roll means that you can vote on Church matters, attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and ask questions, and stand for election to the PCC (Parochial Church Council) or the Deanery Synod.
Being on the Electoral Roll does not make you a “member” of the Church; simply regarding Burford Parish Church as your spiritual home does that.
Do I have to join?
You can, of course, be a full and active member of Burford Parish Church without joining the Roll. Being on the Electoral Roll does not involve any additional commitments, and costs nothing.
Why join the Electoral Roll?
Joining the Electoral Roll indicates your commitment to Burford Parish Church’s community and to the vision of the church. The Electoral Roll is one indicator of the strength of the Church in our local area, and more widely.
But I don’t live in the Parish of Burford
If you live outside parish, being on the Electoral Roll gives you all the rights and privileges that go with being resident in the parish (for example, baptisms and weddings). However, if you live outside the parish and want to join the Electoral Roll, you have to have been worshipping at Burford Parish Church for a minimum period of six months.
What does the Electoral Roll affect?
The number of people registered on the Electoral Roll directly influences the maximum number of PCC lay members. If the Roll is not representative this means that the PCC is too small for the workload involved, putting strain on PCC members.
Representation on the regional and national governing bodies (Synods) of the church depends on the number on the Electoral Roll. Being on the Electoral Roll allows Christians to take personal responsibility for being part of the “Body of Christ” and to participate fully in our part of His Church, alongside clergy and Bishops, in the Synods of Church of England. The local (Deanery), regional (Diocesan) and national (General) Synods enable church people at every level to be in touch with the Church of England as a whole and to play their part in decision making. Through Synods, lay people have a place in every aspect of church life, including doctrine and services.
The Electoral Roll does not have a direct bearing in the way the Parish Share is calculated. The Parish Share is the amount of money that each parish is asked to contribute to support the provision of mission and ministry of the Church in the Diocese of Oxford and beyond. It’s the responsibility of us all and an essential part of our discipleship and how our clergy are funded, and is based on estimated membership and socio-economic factors.
Do I qualify for the Roll?
To apply for the Electoral Roll you must meet ALL the following conditions:
· You must be aged 16 or over (though you can apply in the year you become 16 and your name will be entered once your birth date has passed).
· You must be baptised.
· You must be a member of the Church of England and EITHER live in the parish OR have attended a church in the parish regularly for at least 6 months.
I’m convinced – how do I join?
Application forms can be downloaded here or obtained from the Church Office. Please note that only names will appear on the published Roll. Please deliver the completed hard copy forms to the Church Office.
I can’t remember if I have joined already?
You can check the list in the Church Porch, or email pccsecretary@burford.church.org.
My details have changed recently
If you are a member of Burford Parish Church and your contact details have recently changed, please notify churchoffice@burfordchurch.org
How can I find out the results of the Renewal?
The Electoral Roll Officer gives a report at the APCM. Also, a copy of the Roll is available in the Church Porch.
Data Privacy Notice
Please click here for a Data Privacy Notice issued in line with the GDPR regulations, which explains how we handle your data, and your rights under the Regulations.