Annual Parochial Church Meetings can now be held online up to the 31 October in order to improve safety and accessibility of annual parish meetings in this emergency period.
Writing to parishes, Diocesan Secretary, George Colville, explains that If a PCC wishes, it may hold its APCM this year online or in a hybrid format.
George Colville says: "This week the Bishop of Chester has made an instrument (see link below) to allow parish meetings to take place online from now until 31st October, in order to improve safety and accessibility of annual parish meetings in this emergency period.
"If you wish, you may hold your meetings this year online or in a hybrid (some people meeting in person, others online) format. This is your PCC’s choice. If you would normally expect numbers at your annual parish meetings that you can safely accommodate in your building there may be no need for any change, even if your numbers are restricted. However, if you would expect more than you can safely accommodate, or if you know of people who wish to attend but cannot safely attend in person, you may wish to offer this option. Meetings must be in accordance with the latest Government guidance."
Read George's letter in full
Download the Bishop of Chester's provision for online meetings up to 31 October