Corse Church Churchwarden's Reports by Peter Singh

Churchwardens have important legal responsibilities, but the office also has a vital spiritual, pastoral and missional dimension - the duty is to be foremost among the laity in the life and mission of the Church in the parish.

Churchwardens are some of the most senior lay leaders of the church and every parish is entitled to appoint two churchwardens. They are elected in accordance with the Churchwardens Measure 2001, at the Vestry meeting at which anyone in the Parish can attend, which is usually held at the same time as the APCM.

The post of churchwarden, one of the oldest elected offices in the country dating back to the 13th century, and their role, is governed by Canon E1 which states 'the churchwarden shall discharge such duties as are by law and custom assigned to them; they shall be foremost in representing the laity and in co-operating with the incumbent; they shall use their best endeavours by example and precept to encourage the parishioners in the practice of true religion and to promote unity and peace among them.

They shall also maintain order and decency in the church and churchyard, especially during the time of divine service.