The Work of the Diocesan Registry

The Diocesan Registrar is the legal officer of the Diocese. He and his colleagues at the Diocesan Registry are responsible for:

Giving general legal advice to clergy, parish officers, boards and councils about their functions
Responding to enquires relating to marriage, baptism, confirmation and burial from clergy and laity
Acting as Registrar of the Diocesan Synod
Preparing various documents and the maintenance of Diocesan records
Operating of the faculty jurisdiction

Such advice is given free of charge to parishes and diocesan officers. It is always best to ask for advice from the Registry sooner rather than later, as legal problems, if left unaddressed, can become increasingly difficult to resolve.

Contact details are as follows:

Mr Martin Follett- Diocesan Registrar
01392 687415
Email Martin Follett

Mr Chris Butcher – Deputy Registrar
01392 687419
Email Chris Butcher

Mr Alan Barr – Registry Manager
01392 687421
Email Alan Barr

The staff of the Registry are members of Michelmores LLP, solicitors, which has a particular involvement with the Church of England throughout this Diocese and the Diocese of Truro. Their postal address is:
Michelmores LLP
Woodwater House
Pynes Hill
Exeter
EX2 5WR

Chancellor

The Chancellor for the Diocese is The Rt Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane. The Chancellor is the judge for the Diocese in matters of church law, which are heard in a Consistory Court. He also acts as the Bishop’s legal advisor.

Chancellor McFarlane is also a Family Division High Court Judge and a Lord Justice of Appeal.

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