CANON 31: OF DISPOSAL AND ALTERATIONS OF CHURCHES

Amended Provincial Synod 2019

1.   Disposal of Ground or Building

(a)  No consecrated ground or budding shall be sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of except it be authorized by the Diocesan Synod or competent body appointed by Synod in pursuance of the report of a Commission appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese.

(b)   Prior to the passing of transfer of such consecrated land or building, the Archdeacon or his Commissary shall after the end of the last service held there read the Revocation of Consecration issued under the hand and seal of the Bishop of the Diocese. The Revocation of Consecration shall thereafter be kept in the Registry of the Diocese.

2.   Alterations in Churches

It shall not be lawful for any Incumbent, Churchwarden, or other person, by virtue of any interest or right they may have in any Church or Chapel, to make any alteration in the construction or arrangement of the same, without permission of and under the hand and seal of the Bishop of the Diocese, first having been obtained.  Alterations shall be made taking into account their environmental impact.