Date: 19 November 2021
The Chancellor of the Diocese is a role that has existed since before the reformation in the 16th century, acting as the judge of the ecclesiastical courts. Although at the time the ecclesiastical courts were reporting to Rome this changed somewhat when Henry VIII dissolved the links and created the Church of England.
The Chancellor to the Diocese of Guildford, Andrew Jordan, will be stepping down after over 20 years of service, and explains how the role has changed since the reformation and up to the modern day.
“Fortunately for me, the role of the Chancellor was not entirely abolished and, surprisingly, had something of a renaissance as Parliament became increasingly involved in building controls. The government recognises that church buildings make a significant contribution to the heritage and life of the nation.”
The Chancellor’s role has developed to be the planning authority for many of the changes affecting the consecrated buildings of the Church of England within a Diocese. They are aided by the staff at the Registry and the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) whose function is to examine applications and offer a recommendation. The DAC membership includes experts from the whole range of activities relevant to the process; architects, archaeologists and those experts in lighting, bells or organs.
Andrew goes on to say, “I have always seen my function as facilitative, making things happen for a church community which is both blessed by, and burdened with, the responsibility of stewardship over the place that is the centre of that Christian community - the bricks and mortar, the floors and roofs, the windows and light fittings, the pews, the chairs. That building may have been present for a millennium where it has bound the community together in a single place or it may be a new-build in a new housing development where the occupiers do not simply wish to build a home but a community.”
Of course, overseeing historic buildings can come with its challenges to honour its past history when changes are needed to create a space that works for its ever adapting community. But Andrew sees that in a positive light within his role, “The satisfaction of the job is to see that by a process of collaboration, consultation, argument, discussion and good sense, a decision can be made that balances the competing claims of past and future and which recognises that each is important.”
Put simply, and this is surely just a small measure of his role, Andrew finished by saying, “I have developed something of an expertise in the introduction of toilet facilities, coffee stations, stackable chairs and LED lighting.”
We thank Andrew for his years of service to the Diocese and wish him all the best for the future. If you wish to do so, there will be an opportunity to say farewell to Andrew Jordan at the 9.45am Eucharist at Guildford Cathedral this Sunday (21st November), along with a chance to hear a musical mass that Bishop Andrew has composed to mark him and the Cathedral turning 60 this year.