Useful links and resources
This is a non-exhaustive list of links and other resources that may be useful to PCCs in looking after their church buildings and churchyard. Any queries regarding the content of linked websites should be directed to the website owner.
Exeter Diocesan Advisory Committee/Church Buildings Office guidance
Pew removal and new seating in churches
A guide to the supporting documents required for applications
Matters which may be undertaken without a Faculty (Lists A & B)
Guidance for applications for pointing
Eco Church and Faculty Jurisdiction Rules
Researching your church history
Guidance for church inspectors
Case studies are available here.
Other relevant Diocesan guidance or forms
Policy for the re-use of churchyards for burials
Petition for a Faculty for a memorial/headstone
Church Buildings Council guidance on various topics
These are all available on the Churchcare website, but we we have provided links here to try to make it as easy as possible to find what you are looking for.
Useful websites
British Institute of Organ Studies
Central Council of Church Bell Ringers
Churches Visitor and Tourism Association
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Devon Archives and Local Studies
Find a Conservator (Institute of Conservation)
Historic Religious Buildings Alliance
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
Legal framework
The Faculty Jurisdiction (Amendment) Rules 2019
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018
Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015
Inspection of Churches Measure 1955
Operation of the Ecclesiastical Exemption 2010
Additional information on the Faculty process and how the Church of England manages buildings
Books
If you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, or just prefer paper to online, the following are some suggestions:
The Churchyards Handbook, Thomas Cocke
Buildings for Mission: A complete guide to the care, conservation and development of churches, Nigel Walter & Andrew Mottram
Re-pitching the Tent: Reordering your church building for worship and mission, Richard Giles
Making Church Buildings Work, Maggie Durran
How Village Churches Thrive: A practical guide, Robert Atwell, Gill Ambrose, Helen Bent
Changing Churches: A practical guide to the faculty system, Charles Mynors
The Gate of Heaven: How church buildings speak of God, Nigel Walter
A Christian Theology of Place, John Inge
The Church Explorer’s Handbook: A guide to looking at churches and their contents, Clive Fewins
A Little History of the English Country Church, Roy Strong
Exploring Churches, Paul & Tessa Clowney
Tiny Churches, Dixe Wills
Devon’s Churches: A celebration, John Lane & Harland Walshaw
Timpson’s Country Churches, John Timpson
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