Cathedrals Measure 1999

7Provisions concerning deans

(1)The principal dignitary of the cathedral, next after the bishop, shall be known as the dean.

(2)It shall be the duty of the dean as chairman of the Chapter to govern and direct on its behalf the life and work of the cathedral and in particular, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, to—

(a)ensure that Divine Service is duly performed in the cathedral,

(b)ensure that the constitution and statutes are faithfully observed,

(c)maintain good order and proper reverence in the cathedral,

(d)secure the pastoral care of all members of the cathedral community, and

(e)take all decisions necessary to deal with any emergency affecting the cathedral, pending consideration of the matter by the Chapter.

(3)The following steps shall not be taken without the consent of the dean—

(a)any alteration of the ordering of services in the cathedral;

(b)the settlement of the cathedral’s budget;

(c)the implementation of any decision taken by the Chapter in the dean’s absence:

• Provided that, in the case of a decision taken by the Chapter as to any matter other than one mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) above, his consent shall be deemed to have been given for the purposes of paragraph (c) above after the expiry of one month following the date on which the decision was taken unless, within that period, the dean requests the Chapter to reconsider the decision at the next meeting of the Chapter, in which case the matter shall be decided by a majority vote of those present and voting at the meeting, the dean having a second or casting vote.

(4)If the office of dean is vacant, or the bishop considers that the dean will be unable to discharge any or all of his functions under this Measure by reason of illness or absence or any other cause, the bishop shall, after consultation with the Chapter, appoint a residentiary canon to carry out such functions as the dean is unable to discharge during the period in question; and references in this Measure to the dean shall be construed accordingly.

(5)If any question arises whether an appointment under subsection (4) above is justified, that question shall be determined by the archbishop of the province.