A faculty was sought to re-order the chancel of a Grade I listed Norman church. Objections were raised about the change of use of the chancel through the introduction of a nave altar and about the removal of high-quality chancel pews introduced in 1931 in memory of Emmeline Pankhurst, who had worshipped in the church as a visitor on a few occasions.
The chancellor observed that the use of the chancel was in the discretion of the incumbent. The chancellor's authority was limited to whether a faculty should issue to enable work on the fabric of the church. Although installed relatively recently within the church's history, the Pankhurst pews had become a part of its history, aesthetics and fabric and were no ordinary pews. Their removal from their current location would enhance mission and worship by enabling reception of Communion from the intended nave altar that was to replace the inaccessible and poorly visible high altar. Nevertheless, the significance of the pews meant that a faculty would be granted only on condition that they be retained within the church and proposals for their relocation be submitted to the chancellor within 56 days of the judgment for consideration. [Catherine Shelley]
