I love the Church of England, I think it’s great! But it can be confusing (even to those of us who are part of it), so I thought I’d write some basic info type posts which may or may not help!!

Units of measure
The Parish
The Church of England is built up of parishes that cover a particular geographical area. Everywhere in England is covered by one parish. These form the basis of the Church’s mission. For example, St Michaels, Inkpen, or St Lukes, Maidenhead.

The Benefice
In the Church of England, a benefice is a group of parishes that share a minister. They are more likely to be found in rural areas and are becoming more common as they are often seen as a money saving measure and the only way to preserve a Church of England presence in an area. St Michaels, Inkpen falls within the benefice of West Woodhay with Enborne, Hamstead Marshall, Inkpen and Combe. St Luke’s Maidenhead is not part of a benefice.

The Deanery
A deanery is a group of Church of England parishes and benefices in an area. They often cover a town or a borough council type area. St Michaels, Inkpen is one of 44 churches in Newbury Deanery and St Lukes is one of 24 churches in Maidenhead and Windsor Deanery. (Remember, not all the churches will have their own minister, some will be grouped together in benefices).

The Archdeaconry
The Archdeaconry is a collections of deaneries. Both Maidenhead and Winsor, and Newbury are within the Berkshire Archdeaconry.

The Diocese
If you’re still with me, a Diocese is a collection of Archdeaconries. Berkshire Archdeaconry is in Oxford Diocese, and is one of 3 Archdeaconries that make up the Diocese (Buckingham, Oxford and Berkshire).

The Church of England
The Church of England is split into two provinces, Canterbury and York. York is made up of 14 Dioceses, and Canterbury 30 (including the Diocese of Europe!).

The Anglican Communion
Finally, the Church of England is part of an international expression of Anglican churchmanship called the Anglican Communion.

Phew! Well done if you’ve made it this far!