Care of Churches - DAC
Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches
The committee is appointed under the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991 primarily to act as an advisory body on matters affecting places of worship.
These include the grant of faculties, the archaeology, architecture, art and history of such places and the use and care of their contents and of their churchyards and burial grounds.
The committee also takes action to encourage the care and appreciation of all such places.
Both Archdeacons are ex officio members of the Committee. Twelve members, of whom two are elected members of Diocesan Synod, are appointed by the Bishop’s Council.
The Bishop’s Council makes additional appointments after consultation with relevant bodies such as the National Amenity Societies, English Heritage and The Association of County Councils.
The Committee has specialist advisors in archaeology, architecture, bells, clocks, furnishings, glazing, heating, liturgy, organs, sound systems, lettercutting/engraving, paintings and hatchments.
The guide to faculty applications provides further information on procedure along with useful names and addresses.
Further details can be obtained from the DAC Secretary.
We publish a series of Archdeacons’ papers, which gives advice to churchwardens and parochial clergy on the care of our parish church buildings and the life of our parishes.
Guidance on preventing the theft of metal from churches is also available.
Churchyard documentation to download
- Churchyard Memorial Application Form
- Churchyard Regulations
- Memorials in Churchyard Booklet
- Advice about Additional Inscriptions on Churchyard Memorials
- Managing the safety of Burial Ground Memorials
Useful links
- Church of England church care website
- Listed places of worship grants scheme
- Church of England Telecommunication aerials website
- Images of England English Heritage website providing details of listed buildings and features
- Churches and Faith Buildings: Realising the Potential