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The Diocese of
Monmouth

What information do I need to supply?

Stage 1 - initial consultation

At this preliminary stage, sufficient information to give the DAC an idea of what you are planning is needed but without going into fine detail and without incurring major expense.

Your plans may be quite straightforward - for instance, you have had a quinquennial inspection and the architect has drawn up a list of necessary work and a specification for it.

But other plans may be less definite - for instance, you want to make alterations in the church to offer better facilities and / or to allow for greater community use. If you are unsure what options may be open to you, the DAC is willing to visit the church and discuss these with you but it is usually helpful for the DAC to first have an idea of what you are seeking to achieve and some sketch ideas that you have considered.

Once you and the DAC are agreed on exactly what the petition is to be for, then it is time to draw up the supporting explanatory papers.

Stage 2 - the formal petition

The petition papers will be looked at by the DAC and the Chancellor as well as other people with an interest such as members of the public, amenity bodies, future generations.

Even if some members of the DAC have visited the church and discussed the proposals, the papers sent with the petition form need to clearly and fully describe:
- what the present situation is,
- why it needs to be changed and
- what the changes are to be.

To help explain this, the papers may need to include a statement of the parish's long term vision (perhaps based on their Mission Action Plan), a statement of need, and, in some cases, a statement of significance.

Statement of Need

Sometimes the need is obvious. For example: The ancient boiler has broken down and cannot be mended. We need to be warm. We propose to put in a new heating system!

But sometimes the need is not so obvious or there are several possible alternatives. In this case, the papers need to explain what the parish is seeking to achieve, what alternatives have been considered and why they have chosen the one they have. This will be particularly the case when proposals have some community involvement.

Statement of significance

Sometimes different needs have to be balanced - the flexibility of modern worship against the historic fabric and furnishings of the church, the need for a toilet against the lack of water or sewage disposal in an ancient churchyard. In these cases the papers should include an assessment of the impact on significant aspects of the church.

These statements may be combined into a statement of justification

Other information

The list below sets out what information will be needed for a variety of situations.

Don't forget to include all ancillary work. Eg pews are being rearranged or removed to accommodate radiators for a new heating system, or a new carpet is to be laid after redecoration work is complete.

NB: Photographs and annotated illustrations are always helpful and are welcomed. But if you are including photographic material printed on a home printer then you need to supply the digital file as well.