DUTIES OF TERRITORIAL ARCHDEACONS

Territorial Archdeacons are appointed by the Diocesan Bishop and hold office (currently a five-year term) at the pleasure of the Bishop.  Their duties are as follows:

       to stimulate greater interest in the work of the Church in the Archdeaconry;
       to communicate the concerns of the Diocese and the needs of the whole Church;
       to be ready to help clergy and churchwardens in the fulfillment of their duties and ministries;
       to encourage and facilitate the implementation of the canons and policy set, from time to time, by the Diocesan Council.

To share with the Bishop responsibility for the care of clergy and their families and to be available for consultation.

To represent the Bishop, as requested, and to be prepared to represent parish interests to the Bishop or to Synod committees.

To attend meetings of the regional deaneries and the Deanery Councils; to be responsible for the work of the Archdeaconry Commission and to make assessments and recommendations regarding parish applications for loans, grants and structural changes.

To visit any parish where the budget apportionment, the pension assessment or other financial or pastoral matters have been neglected; to inquire into the cause and to encourage greater commitment to Diocesan life, and to report to the Bishop or to the appropriate Diocesan committee.

To be part of the process to choose a new rector as outlined in the manual “Selection Committee Guidelines”, which is available from the Bishops’ office.

To officiate at the induction of the new rector when mandated by the Bishop.

To ensure interim ministry and to arrange for vestry meetings in a parish without a rector, and to be responsible for church property in the event that no rector or parish officials are available.

Memberships:

       the Diocesan Council in an ex officio capacity.
       the Diocesan Sub-council, if elected, or observer without vote
       the Diocesan Executive staff meetings, as arranged.

                                                                                                                              Revised October 2005