The role of a warden in the Anglican Communion involves being a liaison between the ministry and parish members, setting an example of Christian living, managing church property, and ensuring consistent worship services. They cannot assume responsibility for music and liturgy but may lead prayers if necessary.
Warden is a common role in the churches that make up the Anglican Communion. Associated with the parish or local church, the caretaker is a lay official who serves as a liaison between the full-time ministry and parish members. While the exact duties of a warden may vary from one part of the Anglican Communion to another, there are some essential characteristics which appear to be consistent with the role of this church official in nearly any local parish.
Churchwarders are often charged with the responsibility of setting a good example of Christian living and living to the rest of the members of the congregation. To this end, a church keeper is expected to live a life in harmony with the teachings of the church. In addition to exemplifying the Christian life, church guardians are also responsible for actively advising members to also seek ways to more fully implement the church’s teachings on ethics and conduct in their lives. As part of this effort, the church warden will often be called upon to maintain order and proper behavior during worship services and other gatherings on church property, including acting as mediator in the event of disagreements between parishioners.
In many localities, the custodian is usually responsible for church property, including all furnishings and supplies that are part of parish property. A permanent inventory is kept and periodically updated by the custodian and provided to the parish council from time to time. This management of the parish’s physical assets also includes arranging any repairs to buildings or property electrical and plumbing systems. Costs for maintaining church properties are recorded in a register, although many parishes now choose to keep electronic registers as well.
In situations where the parish does not currently have a rector or priest, the custos may be called upon to interact with the bishop on the spiritual state of the parish, leading up to the appointment and installation of a new rector. In some Anglican traditions, this implies that the bishop designates a keeper as sequester. Within this role, the Warden will ensure that worship services continue on a consistent basis, with particular attention being paid to ensuring that the parish observes the Eucharist every Sunday and on every major feast day. Often, the church warden will accomplish this by creating a rotating roster of guest ministers, usually made up of retired Anglican clergy or volunteer clergy from across the diocese.
In general, there are only a few areas where church law does not allow the custodian to assume responsibility. These include music and liturgy, which are considered to be under the authority of the priesthood. However, in some areas of the Anglican Communion, the church warden may be permitted to lead morning and evening prayers in the event that a clergyman is unavailable.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
