Vestry Members

In the Scottish Episcopal Church, the church Vestry is responsible for managing the financial and temporal affairs of a congregation. This includes overseeing the church’s property, finances, and general administration. The Vestry also plays a key role in the decision-making and the spiritual life of the congregation, working closely with clergy to ensure smooth functioning of the church community.

What are the responsibilities of a Vestry?

The Vestry should be guided by the following:

1. The code of canons of the Scottish Episcopal Church, particularly canons 35 and 60
2. The Digest of Resolutions of the General Synod
3. The Constitution of the charge
4. The Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005

The list of office bearers requiring election by the Vestry would normally include the Vestry Secretary, Treasurer, Paying Officer, Gift Secretary, Property Convener and Protection of Vulnerable Groups PVG coordinator or officer. One person may hold more than one of these offices. The full list of responsibilities of the vestry can be found on the Scottish Episcopal Church website vestry responsibilities page.

Normally a Vestry will be made-up of the following officers and members:

• The Rector’s Warden (annual appointment of the Rector or Priest-in-charge)
• The People’s Warden (annual appointment elected by the congregation)
• The Lay Representative and the Alternate Lay Representative (annual appointments elected by the congregation)
• The Treasurer (annual vestry appointment)
• The Vestry Secretary (annual vestry appointment)
• Plus elected ordinary members of the Vestry (serving for three years and elected by the congregation)

The Rector’s Warden in the Scottish Episcopal Church serves as a key leader within the congregation. This individual typically works very closely with the Rector or priest-in-charge to support and assist in various aspects of the church’s life. The Rector’s Warden essentially has two important roles: 1) to act as a sounding board for the Rector or priest-in-charge and 2) to act as an advocate for the Rector or priest-in-charge. The Rector’s Warden plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and facilitating the smooth operation of the church under the guidance of the Rector.

The People’s Warden in the Scottish Episcopal Church plays a significant role as a lay leader representing the congregation. The individual works closely with the Rector’s Warden and other leaders to support the church community. The responsibilities of the People’s Warden often include addressing the concerns and needs of the congregation, participating in Vestry meetings, and collaborating with the Rector or priest-in-charge to ensure effective communication between clergy and laity. The people’s warden helps facilitate a sense of unity and collaboration within the congregation, contributing to the overall well-being and functioning of the church community.

Please see the other pages on our website for information about the responsibilities of the Vestry Secretary, Treasurer, PVG Officer and the Lay Representatives.