Support Veryan Church by joining the Electoral Roll
Every six years, the Church of England wipes its Electoral Rolls clean and starts anew.
This year, it’s time for Veryan Church to do the same. A brand-new Electoral Roll will come into effect at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), which will be held on 13 May 2025, at 7pm.
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or were on the roll previously, everyone must reapply this year to join.
What is the Electoral Roll?
The Church Electoral Roll is essentially your parish church’s register of electors. Much like being on the civic electoral roll lets you vote in elections, being on the Church Electoral Roll gives you a voice in church matters.
By joining, you can vote at the APCM, participate in church decision-making, and stand for election to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) or other governing bodies within the Church of England. However, being on the roll doesn’t make you a formal “member” of the church—simply considering Veryan Church your spiritual home does that.
Do I Need to Attend Services to Join the Electoral Roll?
No, you don’t need to attend church services to have your name on the roll. If you live within the parish, you’re eligible to join regardless of how often you’re in church. For those outside the parish, regular attendance over at least six months is necessary. This means anyone with ties to Veryan Church can show their support and be part of its community.
Why Join?
Joining the Electoral Roll is more than an administrative task. It’s a way to affirm your connection to Veryan Church and help it thrive. The number of people on the roll directly impacts how we’re represented within the wider Church of England. It affects the size of our PCC, the people who help guide the life and mission of our church, and how we participate in decisions at deanery, diocesan, and national levels.
When more people join, it shows the strength of our church family—not just here in Veryan, but across the Diocese. Whether you’re someone who comes weekly, or someone whose connection to Veryan Church is more personal than public, adding your name helps strengthen our community.
Do I Qualify?
To apply for the Electoral Roll, you must be:
- At least 16 years old (you can apply during the year you turn 16, though your name won’t appear until your birthday).
- Baptised.
- A member of the Church of England* and EITHER living in the parish OR having worshipped regularly at Veryan Church for at least six months.
Even if a busy schedule or personal challenges prevent you from attending services regularly, you may still be eligible if you’ve previously been a habitual worshipper and haven’t been able to attend for essential reasons like illness.
(*Membership in a church that is in communion with the Church of England also qualifies.)
What Are the Benefits?
Being on the roll doesn’t require any extra commitments, but it opens the door to greater involvement in the life and governance of Veryan Church. With your name on the roll, you can:
- Participate in votes at the APCM.
- Stand for election to the PCC or other councils.
- Provide a visible sign of your connection to the church, helping showcase the strength of our community.
- Access certain rites and privileges, such as baptisms and weddings, even if you live outside the parish.
Adding your name is also a powerful statement of witness and a step in your discipleship. It’s a way to say, “I’m here, and I care about the work this church is doing.”
How Do I Join?
Applying is simple! Application forms are available at Veryan Church, download a form below, or can be requested via email at churchwarden1@veryanchurch.org.uk or secretary@veryanchurch.org.uk
If you’re not sure whether you live within the parish, check your postcode online using the official parish-finder tool. If you’re ready to join, just fill out the form and contact to arrange collection/drop off secretary@veryanchurch.org.uk
