Notice of proposed changes to Constitution and Statute
Notice of proposed changes to the Constitution and Statute of the Cathedral
Publication date: 13th May 2024
The Cathedral Church of St Paul’s is reviewing its Constitution and Statutes.
Under Section 32 of the Cathedrals Measure 2021, the Cathedral must carry out a consultation before making amendments to the Constitution and Statutes.
Notice of proposed changes to the Constitution and Statutes of the Cathedral
BY The Chapter of The Cathedral Church of St. Paul's, London (the "Cathedral"):
- The current Constitution and Statutes of the Cathedral, adopted as part of the implementation of the Cathedrals Measure 2021, came into effect on 7 September 2023 following public consultation.
- Article 36 of the Statutes of the Cathedral provides that the Bishop may admit a person who is a reader or lay-worker licenced to the Cathedral under common tenure as a residentiary canon (described in the Statutes as a "lay residentiary canon").
- Section 7 of the Church of England (Miscellaneous Provisions) Measure 2023, which was given Royal assent on 19 December 2023, amends the Cathedral's Measure 2021 by the addition of a new section 14A which provides that a person who has been admitted to the office of reader or as a lay worker for at least six years and is licensed to exercise office or serve as such is capable of being appointed as a residentiary Canon of a Cathedral but only if, and insofar as, the Constitution so provides.
- Following the addition of section 14A of the Cathedrals Measure 2021, it is necessary for the Constitution and Statutes of the Cathedral to be amended, by way of an Instrument signed by the Dean and sealed by the Chapter, to add a power in the Constitution to admit lay persons as residentiary canons in accordance with the Measure and to remove clauses relating to the admittance and functions of "lay residentiary canons" in the current Statutes.
- A draft of the Instrument which will implement the changes to the Constitution and Statues is available to view below.
- A physical copy of the draft Instrument is available to be viewed at Chapter House, St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- The Chapter will consider any written representations made to it received no later than 5pm, Tuesday 11th June 2024. Comments can be sent by email to the Chief Operating Officer, Emily MacKenzie, at emackenzie@stpaulscathedral.org.uk or by writing, via the Chapter House, St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD so that it reaches the Chief Operating Officer no later than 5pm on 11th June 2024.