Boards, Councils and Committees

A key part of the Diocesan administration is the work undertaken by various Synods, Boards and Committees and Working Groups. Membership of these bodies is drawn from parishes, clergy, advisers and Bishop's staff. To find out more follow any of the following links:

Advisory Committee for the Care of the Churches
Bishop's Council and Standing Committee
Board of Education
Board of Finance
Church Buildings Committee
Clergy Retirement Officers
Communications and IT Group
Diocesan Synod
Durham - Lesotho Diocesan Link
Executive Committee
General Synod
Glebe Committee
Houses Committee
Liturgical Committee
Mission and Pastoral Committee
Readers' Council
Closed Churches Uses Committee
Stewardship
Vacancy in See Committee

Synodical Bodies
(Addresses not shown are available from our 'Find a Person' database, please click here)

General Synod
Members of Convocation
The Archdeacon of Durham
The Revd D Brooke
The Revd G Buttery
The Revd Dr M M Gilley

Members of the House of Laity of General Synod
Dr A Goudie, 197 Gilesgate, DURHAM DH1 1QN
Dr J H Harrison, 5 Dunelm Court, South Street, DURHAM. DH1 4QX
Sister A Williams, Good Shepherd House, Forest Road, Ford Estate, SUNDERLAND SR4 0DX
Canon F Wood, Ardenlea, 8 Butts Lane, Eaglescliffe, STOCKTON ON TEES TS16 9BT

Diocesan Synod
President: The Bishop of Durham

Vice Presidents:
Chair of House of Clergy - Revd Canon J Dobson
Chair of House of Laity - Dr Jamie Harrison 5 Dunelm Court, South Street, Durham, DH1 4QX

Secretary: Vacant, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Office

The Diocesan Synod is the third link in the Synodical Government chain of Parish; Deanery Synod; Diocesan Synod; General Synod. Lay members are elected by the Houses of Laity of the Deanery Synods, and clerical members are elected by the Houses of Clergy of the Deanery Synods, as representatives of the deanery. Elected members hold office for a period of three years commencing on 1 August in the year in which elections to the Diocesan Synod take place. Members of Diocesan Synod become ex-officio members of their Deanery Synod and Parochial Church Council. They are expected to report back to their Deanery Synod on the work and decisions of the Diocesan Synod, and to represent the concerns and interests of their deanery at the Diocesan Synod. The Diocesan Synod meets twice a year, in May/June and November. Meetings usually take place during daytime on Saturdays.

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Bishop's Council
Ex officio:
The Bishop of Durham
The Bishop of Jarrow
The Dean of Durham
The Archdeacon of Sunderland
The Archdeacon of Durham
The Archdeacon of Auckland
Chair of the House of Clergy
Chair of the House of Laity
Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance

Archdeaconry of Sunderland – elected:
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant

Archdeaconry of Durham – elected:
Revd M Jackson
Dr A Goudie
Vacant

Archdeaconry of Auckland – elected:
Revd D M Brooke
Dr J A Taylor
Mrs H Hopper

Secretary:
Vacant, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Office

The aim of the Bishop’s Council is to co-ordinate the life and work of the Diocese in support of the mission of the Church, in accordance with the priorities set by the Bishop and the Diocesan Synod.

The Council works with the Bishop to develop policies and programmes, and to co-ordinate the work of Boards, Councils and Committees and other groups throughout the Diocese.

It appoints members to Committees and Enabling Groups and as the Standing Committee of the Diocesan Synod, it is responsible for planning the business of Synod, advising it and transacting its business between meetings.

Board of Education
Carter House, Pelaw Leazes Lane, DURHAM. DH1 1TB (0191) 374 6017 Fax (0191) 384 7529 www.boardofed.org.uk

Ex officio: The Bishop of Durham

Archdeaconry of Sunderland – elected:
Revd R A Lumley
Mr R P Thorndyke

Archdeaconry of Durham – elected:
Revd J Burbury
Mrs J A Cordiner

Archdeaconry of Auckland – elected:
Revd R Kalus
Miss S A Milner

Nominated:
The Archdeacon of Sunderland (Chair)
Revd M E Anderson
Mrs A Appleyard
Revd K M Brooke
Mrs J Davis
Mrs J Murray
Revd B Vallis

Co-opted: Revd A Templeman

In attendance:
Mr N Rowark (Adviser for Youth Ministry) - 07748 948 192
Mrs E Hampton (Safeguarding Adviser) - 07970 267692
Mrs S Pritchard (Sowing the Seeds, Project Worker) - 07595 071031
Mrs V Neville (Sowing the Seeds, Project Worker) - 07595 071032
Mr A Hawkins (Sowing the Seeds, Project Worker) - 07505 071030

Interim Director of Education for Durham and Newcastle: Mr Jeremy Fitt

The aim of the Board of Education is to ensure young people in Durham Diocese are able to grow in their relationship with Christ and are supported and encouraged in their engagement with God’s mission as a full part of God’s church. To this end the Board is responsible for Diocesan mission and ministry to young people in parishes and schools. In Durham Diocese we believe that parishes and church schools jointly stand at the centre of the Church’s mission to the nation and together enable children, young people and their families to grow in understanding of themselves, their world and the Christian faith. We provide training, resources, events and other support for young people and all those who work directly with them.The Diocesan Board of Education is a statutory body, exercising responsibility on behalf of the Diocese for its church schools. In this capacity it liaises with all Local Education Authorities between the Tyne and the Tees. It also supports work with children and young people in Parishes and is the base for the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser.

See also www.boardofed.org.uk

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Board of Finance

Ex officio:
The Bishop of Durham
The Bishop of Jarrow
The Archdeacon of Sunderland
The Archdeacon of Durham
The Archdeacon of Auckland
Chair of the House of Clergy
Chair of the House of Laity

Deanery representatives:
Chester le Street: Mr C Slowther, 12 Wiltshire Place, Usworth, WASHINGTON. NE37 2NN
Gateshead: Mr D Bell, 24 Atholl, Ouston, CHESTER LE STREET. DH2 1RS
Gateshead West: Mr N Wyrley-Birch, Ryton Grange, RYTON NE40 3UN
Houghton le Spring: Revd L Wilkinson
Jarrow: Mr J K Higgin, 11 Laburnum Grove, Cleadon, SUNDERLAND. SR6 7RJ
Wearmouth: Revd J A Bradshaw
Durham: Mr R Bimson, 45 Dorlonco Villas, Meadowfield, DURHAM DH7 8RZ
Easington: Mr D Bowers, Thorncliffe, Durham Lane, Easington Village, PETERLEE. SR8 3BA (Vice Chair)
Hartlepool: Mr A Rogers, 19 Trentbrook Avenue, HARTLEPOOL. TS25 5JN
Lanchester: Ms H Pegum, 12 South Terrace, Cornsay Colliery, DURHAM DH7 9ED
Sedgefield: Mr M Morrison, 92 Washington Crescent, NEWTON AYCLIFFE. DL5 4BE
Auckland: Mrs A Lee, 80 Byerley Road, SHILDON DL4 1JE
Barnard Castle: Mrs F Stenlake, 37 The Bank, BARNARD CASTLE DL12 8PL
Darlington: Mrs P Davison, Sheraton Park, Blackwell, DARLINGTON DL3 8QY
Stanhope: Mr J Straughan, 14 Eden Close, Heighington, DARLINGTON DL5 6RU
Stockton: Ms M Vaughan, 36 Beechwood Road, Eaglescliffe, STOCKTON ON TEES TS16 0AE (Lay Chair)

Nominated: The Revd Canon S Bamber (Chair)

In Attendance: Mr K Scott (Director of Finance & Funding)
Mr A Jenkins (Stewardship Development Officer)

Receives Papers: Ms H Monckton-Milnes, Messrs Smith Roddam, 56 North Bondgate, BISHOP AUCKLAND DL14 7PG (Solicitor)
Revd S Pinnington (Chair of Houses Committee)

Secretary: Vacant, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Office

The Diocesan Board of Finance is both a registered charity and a limited company, and was incorporated in 1923 under the Companies Acts 1908 – 1917. It is the financial executive of the diocese and is charged with the preparation of the annual diocesan budget and annual accounts. It is responsible to the Diocesan Synod, and must also comply with charity and company law. The Board includes an elected representative from each deanery in the diocese.

Executive Committee
Chair: Revd Canon S Bamber

Members:
The Archdeacon of Auckland
Mr D A Bell
Mr D A Bowers
Mr M Morrison
Ms M Vaughan

Secretary: Vacant, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Office

Glebe Committee
Chair: Revd Canon S Bamber

Members:
The Bishop of Durham
The Archdeacon of Auckland
The Archdeacon of Durham
The Archdeacon of Sunderland
The Vice Chair of DBF
Mr P Coles
Mr J K Higgin
Ms H Monckton-Milnes
Mr P D Moseley

Secretary: Vacant, Diocesan Secretary, Diocesan Office

Houses Committee
Ex officio:
The Archdeacon of Sunderland
The Archdeacon of Durham (Vice-Chair)
The Archdeacon of Auckland
Vacant (Secretary, Diocesan Synod)
Revd Canon S Bamber

Elected Clergy:
Revd K J Bagnall
Revd S Pinnington (Chair)
Vacant
Vacant

Elected Laity:
Mr J Gibson
Mrs A M Lumsdon
Mr A Peart
Mr F A Rogers

Secretary: Mr M Galley, Property Manager/Diocesan Surveyor, Diocesan Office

The aim of the Houses Committee is to provide clergy houses that provide the base for mission in support of the ministry of the Church throughout the Diocese, as well as being a happy and safe home for the family.

The Committee is a committee of the Diocesan Board of Finance, with delegated powers. The Committee manages the construction, purchase and improvement of houses, their inspection, maintenance and repair; and the letting or disposal of surplus property.

See also Housing

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Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC)
Ex-officio: The Archdeacon of Sunderland
The Archdeacon of Durham
The Archdeacon of Auckland (Chair)

Appointed: Revd R J Cooper
Dr D Mason
Revd Canon J R Dobson Mr N Moat
Mr C Downs Mr I Ness
Mr R D Hird Mr R C Norris
Revd R K Hopper Mr M Roberts
Mr J B Kendall Mrs J A Stokes
Mrs S Robertson

Secretary: Mr G W Heslop, Care of Churches Secretary, Diocesan Office

The DAC advises the Chancellor on all applications for permission to carry out works on/to churches and churchyards. Parishes are encouraged to contact the DAC via the Secretary at the Diocesan Office prior to making any application for faculty or other permission. The members of the DAC are experts in some relevant discipline relating to historic buildings, or have a particular interest in the care or use of church buildings. As such the DAC is well able to offer helpful advice to parishes seeking to maintain their properties or to adapt, extend or improve them. Members serve on the DAC without payment and advice is free to parishes.

See also Care of Church Buildings

Durham Diocesan Liturgical Committee
Chair: Revd Canon Dr D J Kennedy
Treasurer: Revd M G T Gobbett

Bishop’s Council Nominees:
Clergy: Revd Dr M L Beck, Revd W Braviner, Revd T L Jamieson
Laity: Mrs A Harrison, Mrs R Junemann, Vacant

Co-opted:
Revd D Brooke
Dean & Chapter Nominee: Canon J Lancelot
Liturgical Commission: Ms D Delap

Secretary:
Revd Dr G Lloyd

The principal aims of the committee are as follows:

To help the people of the diocese towards an effective use of the liturgical opportunities open to them
To monitor the use of liturgy within the diocese and to advise the Bishop and parishes on liturgical matters
To draft services for diocesan use and offer training in leading worship
To liaise with General Synod’s Liturgical Commission and with the parishes in discussion of proposals, introduction of new material and assessment of patterns of worship

Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee
Ex officio:
The Bishop of Durham
The Bishop of Jarrow
The Archdeacon of Sunderland
The Archdeacon of Durham (Chair)
The Archdeacon of Auckland
Diocesan Missioner

Deanery Reps:
Chester le Street: Rev D Tully
Gateshead: Vacant
Gateshead West: Professor P G Britton, 13 Denham Grove, Winlaton, BLAYDON ON TYNE NE21 6HR
Houghton le Spring: Revd A Anderson
Jarrow: Mr J W Ellison, 28 Croft Terrace, JARROW NE32 5BN
Wearmouth: Revd R G E Bradshaw
Durham: Revd M Threlfall-Holmes
Easington: Revd A Milne
Hartlepool: Revd Dr N R Shave
Lanchester: Vacant
Sedgefield: Revd M G T Gobbett
Auckland: Revd D Tomlinson
Barnard Castle: Revd A J Harding
Darlington: Revd M L Dent
Stanhope: : Miss F N Moralee, 5 Gateways, Wolsingham, BISHOP AUCKLAND DL13 3HW
Stockton: Canon F M Wood, Ardenlea, 8 Butts Lane, Egglescliffe, STOCKTON ON TEES TS16 9BT

Up to five co-options, having regard to the balance of clergy and laity on the committee, links with the DAC, the Houses Committee and any Diocesan Councils and the Board of Education, together with an ecumenical perspective.

Secretary: Mr P W Stringer, Administrative Secretary, Diocesan Office

The Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee is constituted under the Pastoral Measure 1983 to assist in furthering the mission work of the diocese and to keep arrangements of pastoral care under review. Suggestions for change may come from the parishes, the Bishop, the Deanery or the committee itself. The committee consults with interested parties and when sufficient consultation has taken place it makes a recommendation to the Bishop who in turn may adopt and forward the recommendation to the Church Commissioners for eventual confirmation as a Pastoral Scheme or Order.

Ex-officio Members:
The Archdeacon of Sunderland
The Archdeacon of Durham
The Archdeacon of Auckland

Members: Revd K Lumsdon
Mr A K H Leech
Revd A Milne

Secretary: Mr G W Heslop, Care of Churches Secretary, Diocesan Office

The Church Buildings Committee is a sub-committee of the Pastoral Committee. It makes grant and loan facilities available to parishes to assist with the cost of repairs, renovation, re-ordering and improvement of church buildings; it also makes small grants towards the cost of quinquennial inspection of churches. Assistance cannot be given for church contents or church halls. Application forms are available from the Diocesan Office.