Ecclesiastical Law

The Diocesan Registry is based at Cullimore Dutton. The work of the Diocesan Registry is wide and varied. It is responsible for providing advice to the Bishops and all other clergy of the Diocese of Chester and to Churchwardens and Parochial Church Councils, and deals with general enquiries from members of the public in relation to marriage and other church matters.

The Registry has considerable experience in all church legal matters. One of its most important areas of work is the jurisdiction of the Consistory Court including the granting of Faculties (legal permissions) to authorise changes or additions to consecrated buildings and burial grounds. The Registry is also responsible for the issuing of Common Licences on behalf of the Bishop of Chester to authorise marriages in parish churches and in other buildings licensed for the solemnisation of marriages according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England.

• Advice to Parishes
• Church Appointments
• Consecrations
• Consistory Court matters
• Diocesan Records
• Faculties
• Marriage Licences
• Charity Law
• Employment Law