The Diocese of Norwich maintains an average of just over 180 stipendiary clergy and a number of non-stipendiary clergy.
Ordination
Ordained ministry is a call to build up the Body of Christ through the celebration of the sacraments, teaching, preaching and pastoral care. Those interested in pursuing a vocation in ministry should contact the Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocations Adviser, the Rev’d. Canon Steven Betts.
The Diocesan Registrar is responsible for preparing the necessary papers for new clergy appointments, including ordinations. These papers typically include an oath of allegiance, a declaration of assent and an oath of canonical obedience. The form of the declaration and oaths is set out in the Canons of the Church of England (Canon C13 for Oath of Allegiance, Canon C14 for the Oath of Obedience and Canon C15 for the Declaration of Assent). The Registrar is also involved in checking the candidate’s certificates (birth certificate and testimony of his former good life for a deacon, and letters of orders with similar testimony for a priest).
Collations and Institutions
The Registrar prepares the necessary papers when a priest moves to a new benefice. This is known a ‘Collation’ when the Bishop is the patron, or an ‘Institution’ where the candidate is presented by some other patron. As with ordination, the presentee has to make a declaration of assent and take an oath of allegiance to the Queen and of canonical obedience to the Bishop. The presentee will, usually at the same service, also be inducted into the temporalities of the benefice by the Archdeacon or his deputy.
Licensing
The Bishop may license ministers to serve within the Diocese either generally in any parish or ecclesiastical district or specifically to perform some particular office or to serve in connection with a mission initiative. A licence may specify a period of years for which it will be valid. The Diocesan Registrar is responsible for the preparation of licences and the associated paperwork.
Vacancies
Notice of forthcoming or ad hoc vacancies in a benefice is given to the Diocesan Registrar (and also to the designated officer of the Diocese). The Registrar will provide assistance in identifying the person or corporation having the right to present a new incumbent. See the Patronage page.
Common Tenure
Since 1 February 2011, new clergy appointments have been made under the Eccelesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Measure 2009. Information about the new terms of service, described as “Common Tenure” is available on the Church of England Website at Common Tenure.
Resignation
Incumbents intending to retire must give written notice of their intention to do so using the prescribed form, where the intended date of retirement should be stated. Before arrangements can be made for payment of a pension, the Clergy Pensions Board requires the Diocesan Registrar to certify the retirement date. The Registrar can only do this if he has received a completed notice of resignation from the priest concerned. Clergy are therefore advised to send the Registrar a completed resignation form well before the proposed retirement date stated in the form, in order to avoid any delay in the commencement of payment of the pension.
