Acronyms abound
Even in SAC. Like TDG, CWC, SMF, CNS and PCC.
PCC, you ask? Someone unpacked it for you: Parochial Church Council.
Parochial? It shares the same root meaning with the term “parish.” You may have heard it being used for a view that is narrow minded or restricted. In its root meaning, that is correct in its use in PCC. Traditionally a parish is an area comprising not just the church compound but the region around it. So you have the Town Council that manages the whole town. And you have the Parochial Church Council that manages only a restricted area, the parish.
The PCC is responsible for the affairs of the parish. If the parish is a legal entity (and here, we are), PCC is the body to represent her. Everything in the parish falls under the purview and responsibility of the PCC. Where does the Vicar feature in all this? He chairs the PCC.
In a smaller traditional parish, the Vicar is assisted by lay readers in the spiritual areas whereas PCC works with him over the temporal concerns (building, finance etc). In the context of our urban Diocese with many large parishes, we have evolved. We now have deaconesses, parish workers and pastoral staff serving in ministry while the PCC is assisted by various sub-committees. Pastoral staff can give input over temporal matters but it is PCC which has the authority to approve it. The vice versa is also true. PCC gives input on ministry concerns but have to trust the Vicar, clergy and pastors to do what is right. The leadership roles are clear and without confusion.
The Vicar heads both as a focus of unity but the leadership is shared across the board. The wardens have a direct line to Bishop and this completes the accountability cycle even for the Vicar.
Why is the PCC elected? They represent the SAC community. They will work with the Vicar, bring a good clergy-lay balance and provide governance support and covering for the spiritual ministry. If they are “yes men” who were appointed by the Vicar or beholden to him, that will undermine the essential work of PCC. You can now see why it is very difficult for a healthy Anglican parish to run foul of the law of the land. PCC members with the professional or technical expertise in law or finance can guide the clergy. They can question the Vicar’s decisions and ensure robust discussions, especially on matters of great import. As they also represent the different parts of the SAC community, various interests and concerns could be raised. The Vicar and PCC are accountable to the membership body of the Cathedral via the AGM.
We also try to ensure that each Service in the Cathedral is represented in PCC. PCC does co-opt a few members. This helps to ensure that there are no gaps regarding expertise or representation.
The Vicar’s Warden is appointed by the Vicar. He is normally his confidante and along with the People’s Warden (elected), provide an inner circle of trust and confidentiality.
All this may sound complicated but the strength of tradition and the sustaining grace of the Lord ensures that it works smoothly and often intuitively. When leaders walk in the steps of Christ and serve in humility and love, the church will be blessed.
Could some of you be thinking of serving in PCC? Do pray about that.
GBY&CU@AGM
