The Faculty Jurisdiction (Care of Places of Worship) Rules 2000

Referral from the Archdeacon to the Chancellor

9.—(1) An archdeacon who has been personally involved with the petitioner, in relation to the subject matter of the petition or otherwise to such an extent that the archdeacon deems it inappropriate to act in the matter, shall decline to exercise jurisdiction in relation to a petition for faculty and shall so inform the registrar prior to the allocation of the petition, or if this is not practicable shall as soon as possible return the petition and accompanying papers to the registrar who shall immediately endorse the petition as one to be dealt with the chancellor.

(2) An archdeacon may for any reason decline in advance to exercise jurisdiction in relation to any petition for a faculty and may after referral of a petition falling within the archdeacon’s jurisdiction, return the petition to the registrar with a request that the petition or any matter raised in it be referred to the chancellor for decision or advice.

(3) If an archdeacon becomes aware of any matter for which a faculty is required and considers that the matter

(a) needs to be dealt with as a matter of urgency without reference to the advisory committee for advice in accordance with section 15(2) of the 1991 Measure, or

(b) may necessitate the issue of an injunction, the making of a restoration order or the grant of any interim faculty pending the final determination of the matter, or

(c) gives rise to any question as to the payment of costs or expenses,

then, whether or not a petition has been submitted, the archdeacon shall inform the registrar who shall immediately refer the matter to the chancellor who may give such licence or other directions in respect of the matter on such terms or conditions as are appropriate in the circumstances of the case.