More say for ratepayers over churches & rectories

RATEPAYERS will have more say in parish churches and rectories after reforms were passed by the States this morning.

The Parochial and Ecclesiastical Rates Review Committee's proposals went through with only small signs of dissent.

But the work will not end – while the new law is being drawn up further talks will take place with the Deanery to overcome its concerns that led it to state it could petition the Queen over the changes.

It could be years before the new legislation is back before the Assembly, but when that is approved the ownership of the churches, rectories and glebe land will effectively rest with the parishes.

A meeting of the ratepayers could decide to sell the rectory and use the money for non-religious purposes.

New boards will be created with representatives from the douzaines and church to manage the property and its care and maintenance