Diocesan Pastoral Committee

Scope and Content

The records are divided into 5 series as follows:

  • Minutes, 1950-1987
  • Financial records, accounts, correspondence & papers, 1961-1986
  • Administrative files, 1964-1986
  • Papers (unlisted), c1968-1981
  • Redundant Churches files (these files also contain Redundant Churches Uses Committee papers in cases where the two bodies worked in conjunction with each other to resolve occurrences of church redundancy within the diocese). [DO/PC & RC]

Administrative / Biographical History

The Diocesan Pastoral Committee was established in 1950 in accordance with the Pastoral Reorganisation Measure of 1949, with responsibility for making a general survey of the diocese from time to time and with the power to make recommendations regarding better provision for the cure of souls in the diocese. In 1969 the Diocesan Pastoral Committee took over the responsibilities of the Diocesan Reorganisation Committee (See Borthwick Reference GB 193 DO/DRC).

Under the 1983 Pastoral Measure, provision has been made for the Pastoral Committee to ensure that the pastoral organisation of the diocese works in accordance with the needs of those communities it serves. A review of the pastoral organisation of the diocese can produce recommendations regarding changes in benefices, pastoral supervision and reorganisation as well as the creation of new parishes and the establishment of team ministries. The Pastoral Committee also works closely with the York Diocesan Redundant Churches Uses Committee (See Borthwick reference GB 193 DO/PC) to resolve cases of church redundancy within the diocese. After a period of consultation, the Pastoral Committee can make the appropriate recommendations regarding pastoral organisation to the bishop.

Other Finding Aids

A hard copy finding aid is available at the Borthwick Institute for the Redundant Churches Files, 1-198 [DO/PC & RC]