Electoral Roll Revision

This year we have to completely renew the church electoral roll. This means you need to fill in a new form to remain on the roll, even if you are already on the current one

What is the Electoral Roll?

It is our church's register of electors. In the same way that being on the civic electoral roll allows you to vote in parliamentary and local elections and referenda, joining the Church electoral roll means that you can vote on Church matters, attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) and stand for election to the PCC (our governing body) or Deanery Synod (the governing body of our 'Deanery', which is a cluster of Benefices/Parishes including ours, called Severn Vale).

Being on the electoral roll does NOT make you a "member" of the Church; simply regarding our churches as your spiritual home does that. 

There are currently 384 people on our electoral which means we have one of the very largest rolls in the diocese

Do I have to join?

You can, of course, be a full and active member of our churches without joining the roll. Being on the electoral roll does not entail signing up to any additional commitments, however, it does help the Church show its strength. Representation on the governing bodies of the church depends on the number on the electoral roll.

Joining the roll is essential if you wish to:

  • Stand for election to the PCC or Deanery Synod

  • Attend the APCM and participate in votes

What does the Electoral Roll affect?

The size of the roll determines how many people can be on the PCC. If the roll is not representative this means that the PCC is too small for the workload involved, putting heavy strain on the members. It also determines how many seats we can have on the Deanery Synod

The Church of England is governed by a synodical system which joins with the Bishops to make decisions. Being on the electoral roll is the entry point, and Christians share an individual responsibility to be part of the "Body of Christ" and to participate fully in our part of His Church. This system is intended to enable church people at every level to be in touch with the Church as a whole and to play their part in decision making. Also, the system is intended to ensure that the laity have their place in every aspect of church life, including doctrine and services.

Do I qualify for the roll?

To apply for the electoral roll you must meet ALL the following conditions:

  • You must be aged 16 or over (though you can apply in the year you become 16 and your name will be entered once your birth date has passed).

  • You must be baptised.

  • You must be a member of the Church of England* and EITHER live in the parish OR have attended at St A's or St B's regularly for at least 6 months.

    *a 'member' essentially means being baptized, a commitment to the Bible and sacraments (Baptism/Communion), and actively participating in the life of the Church of England community, usually through our church(s)

Why join the Electoral Roll?

Joining the electoral roll is an important way of confirming your commitment to our church community and to the vision of the church. But it also opens up the way for greater involvement in the life of the Church of England, at Deanery, Diocesan and national levels. By joining, you become entitled to participate in the government of the church and to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, where the elections take place for:

  • the Parochial Church Council (PCC)

  • the parish's representatives on the Deanery Synod.

Any person entitled to attend the APCM may raise any question of parochial or general church interest.

In addition, those who live outside the Parish but are on the electoral roll enjoy all the rights and privileges that go with being resident in the parish (for example, baptisms and weddings). However, if you live outside the Parish and want to be on the electoral, you have to have been worshipping at St A's or St B's for a minimum period of six months.

Joining the roll is an important statement of witness and a step along the path of discipleship. With your name on the electoral roll, the strength of the Church can be seen in our local area, and across the Diocese. If you're a regular at our churches, you should be on the electoral roll!

How do I join?

Application forms can be completed via churchsuite here or obtained from the Church Centre. Fill in your full name and address, and tick the appropriate boxes.  It would assist us greatly if you would also complete the optional 'Contact Details' section for our records, particularly email addresses.  Please note that only names will appear on the published roll.  Please deliver the completed forms to the Church Office either as a hard copy or by e-mail to admin@stastb.church any form completed via churchsuite will automatically be sent to us. 

Many thanks 


Adam Greenland