Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has received on proposed changes to the role and status of church wardens in the Church of England. [55787]
§ Mr. Stuart BellThe Churchwardens' Measure, which has been passed by General Synod, does not, strictly speaking, propose changes to the role or status of churchwardens. I have, however, received representations about the provisions contained in that Measure which would give the bishop power to suspend a churchwarden from exercising the rights and duties of his or her office without the bishop's consent for a limited period. The Measure will be considered by the Ecclesiastical Committee at its next meeting in December.