Crewkerne & Ilminster Deanery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Diocese?

A Diocese or See is a county sized area under the guidance of a Bishop who has his cathedra or seat in the cathedral church. We are part of the Diocese of Bath and Wells

What is an Archdeaconry?

An Archdeaconry is a geographical group of Deaneries and each Diocese is subdivided into about three or so. In this Diocese there are three Archdeaconries: Bath, Taunton, and Wells.

What is a Deanery?

A Deanery is a number of parishes or benefices, which are in geographical proximity, and are grouped together to form a larger mainly administrative organisation. There are 19 Deaneries in this Diocese:

Archdeaconry of Wells	Archdeaconry of Bath	Archdeaconry of Taunton
Axbridge	Bath	Bridgwater
Bruton	Chew Magna	Crewkerne & Ilminster
Cary	Locking	Exmoor
Frome	Midsomer Norton	Quantock
Glastonbury Jurisdiction	Portishead	Taunton
Ivelchester		Tone
Merston
Shepton Mallet

What is a Parish?

A parish is a district surrounded by an ecclesiastical boundary in which the cure of souls is exercised by a minister acting on behalf of the Bishop. It need not necessarily be the same as the parish boundary. There are 46 parishes in this Deanery

What is a Deanery Synod?

A Deanery Synod is a gathering of representatives from Parochial Church Councils (PCC’s). It debates motions raised by members and refers them to Diocesan Synod, the next highest group in the democratic system. It informs its members of current topics and seeks opinions. It passes on information from the Diocese. It discusses ways in which it can help parishes and organises joint events such as pilgrimages, services and social events.

Who sits in this Synod?

All members of the clergy in the Deanery and elected representatives from parishes

What is a Rural Dean?

The Diocesan Bishop appoints the Rural Dean. He is the joint chairman together with the Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod, and speaks for the church in his deanery.

What does the Rural Dean do?

He is responsible to the Bishop (through the Archdeacon) for pastoral care of the clergy and their families, for resolving any problems that may arise, for acting as first point of contact for Church Wardens and other officers of the church and for carrying out inspections on church material

What is the tenure of the post

The post is usually for 6 years but can be extended for a further 3 by mutual consent.

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