In every parish there should be held an Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM). In every parish, the APCM must be held in the period which begins with 1 January and ends 31 May.
The following persons are entitled to attend the annual meeting and take part in its proceedings.
- (a) every lay person whose name is on the roll of the parish,
- (b) every clerk in Holy Orders to whom paragraph (3) applies,
- (c) where the parish is in the area of a benefice for which there is a team ministry, every member of the team,
- (d) where the parish is in the area of a group ministry, every incumbent and priest in charge in the group ministry, and
- (e) where the parish is in the area of a group ministry which includes the area of a benefice for which there is a team ministry, every vicar in the team ministry.
(3) This paragraph applies to a clerk in Holy Orders if he or she –
- (a) is beneficed in or licensed to the parish or to another parish in the area of the benefice to which the parish belongs,
- (b) is resident in the parish and is not beneficed in or licensed to any other parish,
- (c) does not come within sub-paragraph (a) or (b) but is declared by the PCC with the agreement of the minister to be a habitual worshipper in the parish, or
- (d) is a co-opted member of the PCC under Rule M15(1)(k).
(4) A declaration under paragraph (3)(c) has effect until the earlier of –
- (a) the conclusion of the annual meeting in the year in which a new roll is prepared under Rule 7, and
- (b) the clerk in question ceasing to be a habitual worshipper in the parish.
Further information
- Diocese of Ely - Notes for PCC Secretaries for APCMs - 2023
- The full details of the APCM are found in the Church Representation Rules, which can be found on the Church of England website.
- The Parish Resources website contains templates, guidance and the relevant forms to be used during APCMs - click here