‘ . . . sure to become an indispensable part of the library of everyone who needs to know where the Church in Wales stands legally. Professor Doe provides a systematic and practical statement of the law, and, where Welsh law is silent, refers to parallels in other Anglican provinces . . . The book is thoroughly researched, and produced to the highest standards.’ Church Times
‘ . . . Archbishop Williams, who has contributed an appreciative forward, is but the first of many who will welcome Norman Doe’s Law of the Church in Wales.’ Reviews in Religion and Theology
‘What we do have here is however an impressive range of information, clearly presented and argued with conviction. There can be no doubt about Professor Doe’s prodigious learning in this field nor of his enthusiasm for the subject. . . In the foreword Dr. Rowan Williams concludes: "this is an excellent and most welcome book." High praise indeed – and praise that is well deserved . . . ’ (Law and Justice)
‘ . . . this book should be warmly welcomed as an addition to ecclesiastical and canon law libraries in England and further afield, both as a general comparative study and for its treatment of the legal issues raised by the distinctive history of the Church in Wales. It will be an indispensable volume for lawyers working in Wales and for others with a serious role or interest in church administration there.’ Ecclesiastical Law Journal
Like other major social institutions, the Church in Wales is regulated by a complicated body of rules that are the product of continuous historical development, theological reflection and practical action. In this book, Norman Doe provides the first comprehensive statement of the modern law of the Church in Wales and the law of the State applicable to the church.
The Law of the Church in Wales sets out the legal structures of the Church in Wales, and how these operate within the context of both the law of the State and the laws of other churches in the worldwide Anglican Communion. It describes how the church organises its internal government, the rights and duties of its clergy and lay people, its public worship, its rites (such as baptism and marriage), its relations with other Christian churches, and its property and finances.
The Law of the Church in Wales is an accessible and practical guide to the legal rules, rights and duties which have an impact on so many aspects of the church’s life and role in society. It will be an essential text for clergy and lay officers of the Church in Wales, and for anyone interested in ecclesiastical law in Wales.
Norman Doe is Professor at the Law School, Cardiff University, as well as Director of the Centre for Law and Religion. He is one of the founding members of Cymdeithas Cyfraith Grefyddol Cymru, teaches canon law each year at the University of Paris, is a member of the European Consortium for Church-State Research and the Legal Advisory Commission of the Church of England, and is Deputy Chancellor of the Diocese of Manchester.
CONTENTS
PART I: THE LEGAL REGULATION OF THE CHURCH
Chapter 1: The Nature and Sources of Church Law
PART II: THE INSTITUTIONAL ORGANISATION OF THE CHURCH
Chapter 2: The Province: Governing Body
Chapter 3: The Diocese: Units and Assemblies
Chapter 4: The Parish and the Parochial Church Council
Chapter 5: The Disciplinary Tribunal and Courts of the Church
PART III: THE MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH
Chapter 6: Episcopal Ministry: The Offices of Bishop
Chapter 7: The Ministry of Priests and Deacons
Chapter 8: The Laity and Lay Officers
PART IV: THE DOCTRINE, LITURGY AND RITES OF THE CHURCH
Chapter 9: Faith, Doctrine and Liturgy
Chapter 10: Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist
Chapter 11: Marriage, Confession and Burial
Chapter 12: Ecumenical Relations
PART V: THE PROPERTY AND FINANCES OF THE CHURCH
Chapter 13: The Law of Church Property
Chapter 14: Church Finance